Alexander Isak's dreams of a move to Liverpool have been dashed after Newcastle United made it clear that the striker is not for sale this summer. The Telegraph reports that the Swedish international did not take the news well and will continue training separately from the first team. Until he accepts that his desired move will not materialise, he will not feature for Newcastle, having already been excluded from their pre-season matches.
Eddie Howe, acting as the club's spokesperson, had previously suggested that Isak might depart after three years at the club. However, the Magpies' Saudi Arabian owners have now taken a firm stance against selling the player. Liverpool's hopes were quashed when a hefty £110million bid was rejected by Newcastle last week, leading to the Reds stepping back from further negotiations. They have decided they won't increase their offer unless the situation at St James' Park changes.
It's understood that even if Newcastle sign a new striker, they will not reverse their decision on Isak's future. They are currently in talks to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford as a replacement for Callum Wilson and had shown interest in the likes of Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, who was seen as a successor to Isak.
Howe, aware of the club hierarchy's position, has been left with the task of managing the situation with the disgruntled player. Newcastle's decision not to officially discipline the player has been a conscious one.
Isak didn't join their pre-season tour of Asia but was later spotted training at his former club Real Sociedad. The club recognises that a gentle approach will facilitate his reintegration into the squad.
Newcastle are adamant that the 25-year-old must understand he can't simply force an exit from the club. Howe has conceded that while he's keen to have Isak back with the team, his current behaviour prevents inclusion, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming Premier League opener.
Howe remarked: "We've had discussions and it's clear at the moment that we can't involve him with the group. I don't know how long that will be for, but that's the latest.
"I'd want Alex to be playing today, I'd want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us. Let me make that absolutely clear. There's no part of me that doesn't want that outcome, but I don't see the current situation changing for Aston Villa."