Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is wanted by Liverpool - but continues to train alone as the transfer window ticks along.
NewcastleWorld broke the news last week that Isak was training away from his teammates at the club’s Benton training ground having just returned from Spain, where he spent time at former club Real Sociedad while the rest of Eddie Howe’s squad were in Asia.
And, as his teammates run through their final preparations for the start of the Premier League season - which sees the Magpies travel to Villa Park on Saturday - Isak continues to cut a solitary figure on Tyneside. It’s understood Isak remains banished from the first-team group, instead working with a sole member of the Newcastle coaching staff, on the empty North Tyneside pitches, hours after the rest of the players have departed.
It’s a quite remarkable situation for club and player to find themselves in. The club value Isak at a British record fee - not quite the £150million initially reported, but still beyond anything any Premier League club has paid for a player. Liverpool have had one bid rejected and are expected to return again - but, as things stand, they are yet to do so. Isak is refusing to train with the rest of the group, and Howe is not keen for his negative influence to be around the rest of the players either, ahead of what was meant to be a season of positivity after a summer of progression. Right now, for player and club it has been anything but.
Alexander Isak trains alone at NUFC
The fact Isak continues to train alone, away from the group, which was boosted by the presence of new £30million defender Malick Thiaw this morning, virtually puts an end to any hope some fans may have had that Isak would suddenly become available for the Aston Villa clash. Instead, the Magpies are likely to head to the Midlands with Anthony Gordon leading the line and Will Osula in reserve, unless, as they hoped, they can pull off the signing of Yoane Wissa in time.
Progress on that deal had been hoped for on Wednesday, along with Jacob Ramsey, but as time ticks on, it becomes less likely either will be in the squad for the weekend. It remains to be seen whether Ramsey would have been involved anyway, especially against his former club so soon.
Nicolas Jackson to NUFC?
The prospect of signing Nicolas Jackson divided the Newcastle United recruitment team just a few weeks ago, but that stance appears to have softened. And NewcastleWorld understands the Senegal international is emerging as one of the leading candidates to replace Isak, should Liverpool make the move.
The deal won’t come cheap, and it must be stressed is only likely to be looked at if Liverpool make an offer the Magpies can’t refuse for sulky striker, Isak.
Despite many suggesting the deal can be done cheaper, it is our understanding Chelsea’s official valuation of Jackson remains between £70-80million. It remains to be seen whether a want and need to shift players on towards the final weeks of summer trading will alter their stance.
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