Richard Keys has made an intriguing claim about Newcastle United star Alexander Isak ahead of the new Premier League season.
The new season is finally here, with the Magpies travelling to the Midlands to take on Aston Villa at Villa Park.
While Eddie Howe should have a near-fully fit side for the clash, it is almost certain that Alexander Isak will not be a part of their travelling squad. The Sweden international has not been seen since Newcastle United’s pre-season training camp in Austria, missing every friendly ahead of the new campaign.
It is widely known that Isak is eager to leave Newcastle, with Liverpool seriously interested. Liverpool have already seen a £110million bid for Isak rejected this summer, and there has been talk of the Reds making a second offer for the Magpies’ star striker.
Isak is reportedly on strike from St James’ Park, with a fine possibly heading their way, but he could finally be getting his wish, according to Richard Keys.
Alexander Isak looks frustrated during a Premier League game between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Richard Keys says Liverpool have made a second bid for Alexander Isak
In recent months, Keys has weighed in on several sagas involving Newcastle. Most recently, Keys suggested that Jack Grealish was signing for Manchester United, only for him to end up at Everton.
Elsewhere, Keys told Newcastle not to change their club badge, after it was confirmed that work is taking place to modernise the current crest to bring costs down.
Now, the former Sky Sports pundit has suggested that Liverpool have already made their second bid for Isak, and another European giant is at the table.
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“I heard today that Liverpool have made a bid of £140m…a second offer of £80m now and £60m next season,” he said on beIN Sports.
“Take your pick.
“But I’ve also heard that Real Madrid might be in the frame.
“I can’t believe he would have gone out on the limb that he has without being fairly certain that he will be gone before the window closes.”
Eddie Howe still thinks Alexander Isak can come back into Newcastle United picture
Isak’s eagerness to leave has been the talk of the summer. Even outside of Newcastle and Liverpool, fans are wondering what is going to happen with the 25-year-old.
Some Newcastle fans are happy to sell Isak, while others believe he can still find his way back into Howe’s squad.
Even the Newcastle manager thinks bridges have not been completely burned between the two parties, and that he can return to the starting XI.
“You want to see him with the squad, you want to see him happy and enjoying his football,” Howe said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“He is contracted to us. He is here, so for me, that (him training alone) is an unfortunate situation.”