Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak (Image: PA)
Newcastle United talisman Alexander Isak has reportedly informed the Magpies that he has no intention of playing for the club again before their season opener at Aston Villa this weekend, as he seeks to force through a move to Premier League champions Liverpool before the closure of the summer transfer window.
Isak, 25, joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022 as part of a record transfer worth in the region of £63m, and he has since repaid that investment plenty with 73 goal contributions in 109 appearances in that time.
Last year Isak netted 27 goals in all competitions as the club claimed a fifth-placed finish and won the Carabao Cup at Wembley, at the expense of Liverpool, who appear to have turned his head with interest and a bid worth in excess of £100m already this summer - something Newcastle rejected immediately, valuing him at nearer £150m.
Swedish international Isak has three years remaining on his contract on Tyneside but, ahead of the Toon Army's visit to Villa Park - where they were handsomely beaten at the back end of last season - for a Saturday lunchtime kick off, it's claimed by the Athletic that he has no interest in reintegrating with his teammates.
The forward had returned to Sociedad earlier this summer to train alone and continues to do so at Newcastle's training ground now, having not featured in pre-season thus far. He considers his time playing for the club to be over and has expressed a desire to leave, having not been offered the improved contract he was after by United.
As such, it's anticipated that Isak won't be involved in the travelling match-day squad which boss Eddie Howe selects for this weekend's clash, a boost for Villa who'll take on a side who will be significantly weaker without last season's top scorer, who is considered to be one of the best centre forwards on the planet.
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