Alexander Isak
Image Credits: Getty Images
Alexander Isak was conspicuously absent from Newcastle United’s first-team training session on Wednesday, fueling speculation over his future amid intense interest from Liverpool.
The Sweden international, who has been Newcastle’s standout performer last season, did not report to Benton Training Centre for the midweek session.
The Newcastle World reports:
“Alexander Isak did not train with his Newcastle United teammates on Wednesday.”
The report reveals that he will instead be present later on, away from the group, and will not be present for the family function organised by Eddie Howe:
“Instead, Isak is due to arrive later in the day. It is not yet known if the Swede is heading to Benton for transfer talks but what is clear is he did not arrive with his teammates, did not train and will not attend a pre-planned family event, arranged by Howe.”
What is strange is that Isak was at Benton on Monday and Tuesday morning for individual training sessions, but will not take part in sessions with the group this Wednesday.
The 25-year-old is said to have already informed Newcastle’s hierarchy of his desire to pursue a move to Liverpool.
DaveOCKOP reported last week that Isak will submit a formal transfer request should the transfer not accelerate.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s recruitment drive accelerated dramatically in the aftermath of Liverpool’s opening bid for Alexander Isak, with the Magpies swiftly moving to lodge an offer for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Within hours of turning down Liverpool’s reported £110 million approach for Isak, the Magpies accelerated their pursuit of Sesko.
However, the Slovenian looks set to join Manchester United instead, if reports are to be believed, throwing yet another spanner in the works of this potential Alexander Isak deal.
Speaking after Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham in Seoul, Howe made it clear that Isak’s behaviour has crossed a line over the past weeks.
“You have to earn the right to train with us. We are Newcastle United,” Howe stated firmly.
“The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad – you have to act in the right way.”
“No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.”
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