Newcastle United have completed a move for the young Liverpool midfielder.
Isak has been agitating for a move to Anfield, with the striker’s conduct coming under major scrutiny in recent weeks.
The 25-year-old sat out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia due to a “minor thigh issue” and instead travelled to Spain - without permission - to train at former club Real Sociedad.
Isak has been back at the Magpies’ training ground this week but has trained away from his teammates, with Eddie Howe admitting after Friday’s 2-2 draw with Espanyol that he wants to reintegrate the Swede, who is injury-free, back into the group - but can’t. Read into that what you will.
Liverpool have already seen a £110million bid rejected for Isak and have vowed not to return to the table unless Newcastle make progress on signing a replacement. That search took a huge blow this week after Benjamin Sesko opted to join Manchester United.
Newcastle United sign Liverpool talent
But while the Isak saga rumbles on, Newcastle have completed a Liverpool swoop of their own. Sixteen-year-old midfielder Isaac Moran turned down the offer of a scholar’s contract and has been snapped up by the Magpies.
Moran made his breakthrough with the under 18s last season and has skippered England at youth level.
Announcing his departure on Thursday, Moran wrote on Instagram: “I have made the tough decision to leave Liverpool Football Club. I want it to be known that this decision was not taken lightly and I have been honoured to represent the club, but I believe it’s best for my career and future opportunities to go elsewhere.
“I would like to thank all of my teammates, coaches and staff for all their hard work over these past 10 years, in not only shaping me to be the footballer I am, but most importantly the person I am today. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you. YNWA 🔴”
Eddie Howe comments on Alexander Isak situation
Back to Isak situation and speaking on Friday, Howe explained: “We've had discussions and it's clear at the moment that we can't involve him with the group. So, yeah, I don't know how long that will be for. That's the latest.
“He's here, of course he has a future at Newcastle. Certainly from our perspective, everyone connected with the club, we would love to see him back with the team. But the situation has to be right for that time.
“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 is no part of me that doesn’t want that outcome. But I don’t see that changing [the current situation] before Aston Villa.”
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