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Alexander Isak is set to become Newcastle United’s most expensive signing of all-time after a reported €70million fee was agreed with Real Sociedad for the Sweden international.

According to The Athletic, Isak’s move to St James’s Park is thought to be ‘imminent’ after the two clubs agreed a deal on the fee for the striker.

Isak, 22, has scored 33 league goals for Sociedad during his three seasons with the club and is highly-regarded across the continent with Arsenal having previously been linked with the striker.

He also has nine goals in just 37 caps for Sweden, including strikes against Poland and Ukraine in last summer’s European Championships.

Isak is set to become Newcastle’s fourth signing of the summer after Sven Botman, Matt Targett and Nick Pope.

Elsewhere, the Magpies remain ‘hopeful’ that a deal for Watford’s Joao Pedro can be agreed despite reported interest from Everton.

There were reports on Monday that Newcastle had agreed a £25million deal with Watford for striker Pedro.

PAMPLONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 07: Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad warms up during the La Liga Santander match between CA Osasuna and Real Sociedad at Estadio El Sadar on November 07, 2021 in Pamplona, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Those reports proved premature, though it’s hoped that that an agreement can be reached for the 20-year-old this week ahead of Sunday’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

Asked if inaccurate speculation was an issue for him, Howe said: “It doesn’t cause me issues, it causes other people issues.

"It comes with the territory. At a big club, there are going to be lots of rumours and stories. I’ve learnt, in my position, to ignore what you (the media) write – and that’s the best position to be. As long as you know what’s going on internally, that’s the main thing.”

Pedro – who has sat out Watford’s last two games – could cost closer to £30million.

Asked about the reports of an agreement, Howe said: “I think that’s not entirely accurate, but I’m not dealing with these things minute to minute, day to day. I’m sort of in the background hearing what’s happening, but I don’t think that’s correct.”

Newcastle United faced Tranmere Rovers on Wednesday evening in the Carabao Cup.

Newcastle United ‘agree deal’ for Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak