Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is reportedly not willing to play for the Magpies, with the Sweden international determined to join Premier League champions Liverpool before the transfer window closes on September 1.
The 24-year-old, who was Newcastle’s top scorer last season, has been a long-term target for the Reds.
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Liverpool saw a £110 million bid rejected on August 1, and the club initially signalled they were prepared to walk away. However, the latest developments could reignite the deal.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admitted after a pre-season defeat to Atletico Madrid that “everything is in play” regarding Isak’s future, but stressed it was “clear” he could not involve the forward in his current plans. As a result, Isak is expected to miss Newcastle’s Premier League opener at Aston Villa on Saturday.
Isak skipped Newcastle’s pre-season tour of the Far East due to a “minor” thigh injury and trained alone at former club Real Sociedad before returning to the UK last week.
Isak, who scored 27 goals in 42 appearances last season, still has three years remaining on his contract, which runs until summer 2028.
Sources indicate he has no intention of reintegrating into the squad even if a deal is not reached by the deadline, having made his decision to leave at the end of last season after being informed he would not be offered a new contract.
Despite Newcastle’s reluctance to sell, an improved Liverpool offer in the region of £150 million could tempt the Magpies to part ways with their star striker.
