ALEXANDER THE GREAT

Former goalkeeper Given says Magpies have Swede future with star man Isak

- Neil McLeman

NEWCASTLE will "send out a message to everyone" by keeping Alexander Isak this summer and building a team around him, according to Shay Given.

Eddie Howe's men go to struggling champions Manchester City tomorrow in pursuit of a return to the Champions League. The Toon are already into next month's Carabao Cup final and host Brighton in the FA Cup fifth round as they seek a first domestic trophy since 1955.

The undoubted star is Sweden striker Isak, who has attracted the interest of Arsenal and Barcelona after scoring 19 goals this season.

He gave the Gunners, who desperately need a forward, a masterclass in the role in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Former Newcastle keeper Given said: "Isak is brilliant. He is the talk of the Toon. His name is on everybody's lips because he is playing so well.