Football
Alexander Isak drifts as move before transfer window looks unlikely
Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United has taken a dramatic twist after the striker claimed the club had “broken promises” and insisted his relationship with the Magpies is now “damaged beyond repair.”
The Swedish international believes it is in everyone’s best interests for him to move on this summer, although Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is still hopeful he can patch things up with the player before the transfer deadline.
Despite the unrest, bookmakers Bet365 still make Isak favourite to remain at St James’ Park beyond the 3rd of September.
He is priced at 4/6 to stay put and not agree a contract with another club, reflecting both Newcastle’s determination to hold onto him and the high fee they would demand from potential suitors.
Dave James, Odds expert at What Are The Odds comments:
Liverpool are rated the strongest challengers to secure Isak’s signature. The Reds, who are in the market for attacking reinforcements, are priced at 11/10 to bring him to Anfield before the window closes. Arsenal are next in line at 14/1, though Mikel Arteta’s side have other priorities in midfield and defence, which could make a move less likely.
There is also interest from the continent, albeit with far longer odds.
Paris Saint-Germain are quoted at 40/1, while Spanish giants Real Madrid are level with Chelsea at 66/1. Barcelona, battling ongoing financial restrictions, are considered outsiders at 80/1, despite their admiration for Isak’s style of play.
A move to the Saudi Pro League is viewed as a remote possibility, currently priced at 25/1.
While Saudi clubs have the resources to make an attractive offer, Isak is thought to favour staying in Europe at this stage of his career. Manchester United are also listed at 100/1, alongside Atlético Madrid, while Italian duo Inter and Napoli are both available at 125/1, showing just how unlikely such moves are seen by the bookmakers.
The uncertainty comes at a delicate time for Newcastle, who are eager to keep hold of their star striker as they look to push for a European spot next season.
Losing Isak would be a huge blow, particularly given his growing reputation as one of the Premier League’s most clinical forwards. Yet his public comments have raised serious doubts about whether the relationship can be salvaged.
Ultimately, much will depend on whether Eddie Howe and Newcastle’s hierarchy can convince Isak to remain part of their project. With bookmakers still backing him to stay, it looks like the club will do all they can to keep hold of him.
But with Liverpool lurking and relations reportedly strained, this transfer saga could run right up until deadline day.
| Isak Outcome | Odds |
|---|---|
| To remain a Newcastle player (no contract elsewhere) | 4/6 |
| Liverpool | 11/10 |
| Arsenal | 14/1 |
| Any Saudi Pro League club | 25/1 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 40/1 |
| Real Madrid | 66/1 |
| Chelsea | 66/1 |
| Barcelona | 80/1 |
| Manchester United | 100/1 |
| Atlético Madrid | 100/1 |
| Inter | 125/1 |
| Napoli | 125/1 |
FA Cup favourites Arsenal have been handed a trip to League One side Mansfield Town as they continue their pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple.
FA Cup fifth round draw in full
Fulham v Southampton
Port Vale/Bristol City v Sunderland
Newcastle United v Manchester City
Leeds United v Norwich City
Mansfield Town v Arsenal
Wolves v Liverpool
Wrexham v Chelsea
West Ham v Brentford
Mansfield are through to the fifth round for the first time since 1975. They followed up an eye-catching third-round victory over Sheffield United by coming from behind to stun Premier League outfit Burnley in the fourth round.
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There are three all-Premier League ties in the draw. Newcastle United host Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers welcome Liverpool, while West Ham United face Brentford. Brentford reached this stage after eliminating sixth-tier Macclesfield.
Wrexham have been rewarded with a glamour home tie against Chelsea, while Daniel Farke will face his former club as Leeds United take on Norwich City at Elland Road.
The fifth round ties are scheduled to take place over the weekend of 7th and 8th March.
Nottingham Forest are searching for a new head coach after parting company with Sean Dyche.
Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers proved to be Dyche’s final match in charge, bringing an end to a brief spell that began in October following the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou.
Forest sit 17th in the Premier League table, just three points above the relegation zone, and are now preparing to appoint their fourth manager of the season.
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Here are some of the leading contenders.
Vitor Pereira
The former Wolves boss is expected to feature prominently in the betting. Pereira left Molineux in November 2025 with the club at the foot of the table, yet his broader CV remains strong.
He has won league titles in Portugal and China and guided Olympiacos to the Greek Super League crown. That success in Greece could appeal to Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Kieran McKenna
McKenna has been linked with several top-flight roles since leading Ipswich Town to promotion in 2023/24.
Known for encouraging a high-tempo style, he has also shown flexibility in adapting his approach to different opponents. Whether he would leave Ipswich while they remain in the promotion mix is uncertain, but Forest may view him as a long-term appointment.
Marco Silva
Silva’s contract at Fulham is due to expire at the end of the season and there has been little indication he will extend his stay at Craven Cottage.
The Portuguese coach has delivered stability, guiding Fulham to three straight mid-table finishes after promotion in 2021/22. Forest were previously linked with him following Postecoglou’s exit and could revisit that interest.
Enzo Maresca
Marinakis has shown ambition since acquiring Forest in 2017 and could turn to former Chelsea manager Maresca.
Although dismissed, Maresca oversaw a fourth-place Premier League finish and UEFA Conference League success in 2024/25. The Italian may seek a project offering backing and time, which Forest would need to guarantee if they retain top-flight status.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Solskjær has been out of work since departing Beşiktaş J.K. earlier this season. He had also been linked with a return to in a temporary capacity before Michael Carrick was appointed.
During his time at Old Trafford, Solskjær favoured a direct, counter-attacking style that could suit Forest’s current squad. His experience in the Premier League may appeal as the club look to steer clear of the drop.
There is just one Premier League fixture on Thursday night to conclude the midweek programme, with leaders Arsenal heading across the capital to face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The visitors sit top of the Premier League table, but the pressure remains firmly on as the title race tightens. Mikel Arteta’s side know any slip-up could prove costly at this stage of the campaign.
Brentford have emerged as one of the season’s surprise packages under Keith Andrews. The Bees are firmly in contention for a Champions League place and will see this clash as an opportunity to strengthen their position in the European race.
Successive away wins at Aston Villa and Newcastle have kept their European hopes alive and confidence is high in west London.
Bet Builder Predictions
Draw
Igor Thiago to commit 2+ fouls
Noni Madueke to score or assist
A Bet Builder featuring those selections is priced at approximately 15/1 with Bet365
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Despite their strong overall campaign, Brentford’s record in home London derbies is less convincing. The Bees have won just one of their last 11 such matches in the Premier League, drawing six and losing four.
They are winless in seven home London derbies since a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in August 2024.
Brentford famously beat Arsenal in their first ever Premier League match in August 2021, but they have not tasted victory against the Gunners in nine meetings across all competitions since, losing five of the last six encounters.
Arsenal’s position at the summit could look tighter by kick-off. Manchester City’s midweek result has cut the gap, meaning Mikel Arteta’s side may arrive in west London with only a three-point cushion.
The Gunners have been formidable in London derbies. They have lost just one of their last 23 Premier League matches against fellow capital clubs and only one of their last 20 away games against London opposition.
Defensively, Arsenal have set the standard this season.
No side has conceded fewer than their 17 league goals and they have kept four clean sheets in their last five top-flight outings. That resilience will be key again on Thursday.