Alexander Isak responds to Newcastle transfer plea amid Arsenal and Chelsea links

Alexander Isak has acknowledged that Newcastle United fans at St James' Park on Monday night gave him a moment he will never forget before their 2-0 defeat to West Ham United.

The fan-led and fan-funded group Wor Flags organised a pre-match display in tribute to the Sweden international. In the Leazes Stand, a card display mosaic tifo spelt out his surname in the country's traditional blue and yellow colours.

In the Gallowgate End, the flags of Eritrea, where both of Isak's parents are from, and Sweden were held aloft. A graphic featuring the player's face behind three Dobermann dogs was also displayed, and beneath that was a black-and-white banner describing Isak as "Alexander the Great."

Early in the match, Isak appeared to have repaid the fans' faith by putting Newcastle into an early lead, but the goal was deemed offside and disallowed. Instead, the striker did not extend his streak after scoring in the team's last four matches before the international break, as West Ham won 2-0.

On Tuesday, in an Instagram post which Sweden captain and Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof liked, Isak said, "Very disappointing result last night." But the striker also shared four photos of the display and continued his caption.

"However, I want to take my time to thank Wor Flags and the fanbase for this incredible experience of walking onto the pitch and seeing this! Truly overwhelming and a moment I will never forget."

Isak added: "We go again on Saturday," when they play Crystal Palace in the capital. Transfer talk continues linking the striker with a more permanent move down south, with Arsenal and Chelsea said to be among the Premier League clubs interested in the 25-year-old after scoring in victories over both clubs already this season.