Alexander Isak has been at the centre of a dramatic transfer saga this summer between Newcastle United and Liverpool, with the two clubs preparing to meet on Monday
Alexander Isak arrives at St James' Park
Alexander Isak is not thought to be attending Newcastle vs Liverpool
(Image: Michelle Mercer, Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Gary Lineker insists there's "not a chance" Alexander Isak will show up at St James' Park to watch Newcastle United take on Liverpool on Monday. The striker has found himself at the heart of a dramatic summer transfer battle between the two Premier League clubs.
Trouble began brewing on Tyneside last month when Isak failed to join Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia, choosing instead to continue training at his former club, Real Sociedad. The Sweden international then shared a desire to explore opportunities away from the north east before Liverpool tabled an initial £110million bid.
After the offer was promptly turned down, Isak was ordered to train in isolation by Newcastle's hierarchy. Currently, he is reportedly refusing to represent the Magpies again, having already missed their Premier League curtain-raiser against Aston Villa last weekend.
The 25-year-old also used Instagram on Tuesday to finally speak out on the ongoing situation, alleging his club had backtracked on promises made over recent months, as well as suggesting his departure would be the most sensible solution.
With Newcastle preparing to welcome Liverpool in the Premier League on Monday night, questions have emerged over whether Isak might attend St James' Park to watch the action unfold. Lineker is convinced there's absolutely no possibility of that happening.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, he said: "The fixture list sometimes does this beautifully doesn't it? Newcastle vs Liverpool. Of course it is." Alan Shearer added: "Monday night, I'll be at the match as well."
Gary Lineker speaks on The Rest Is Football
Lineker believes Isak would be wise to stay away
When Lineker questioned whether he believes Isak will feature, Shearer responded: "No, do you?" Before the former Match of the Day presenter added: "Not a chance," before bursting into laughter.
Discussing how Isak's transfer speculation will heighten the atmosphere during the fixture, Shearer added: "It'll be an incredible atmosphere. It's a bit tasty anyway, Newcastle Liverpool, so it's a bit of added spice I think, don't you?"
Lineker then joked: "Why don't you do a swap deal, for [Hugo] Ekitike? Just to stir things up a bit. Sorry, but you've got to try to see the funny side of these things, especially for fans, and you are a fan of Newcastle. I mean, it's just brutal."
Hugo Ekitike celebrates
Liverpool beat Newcastle to the signing of Hugo Ekitike
The Magpies had also pursued Eintracht Frankfurt star Ekitike during the summer window, before Liverpool secured his signature in a £79m deal. The forward has made an impressive start at his new club, finding the net in the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace and the 4-2 Premier League season opener against Bournemouth last Friday.
While Liverpool are yet to submit an enhanced bid for Isak, speculation suggests they could do so before the transfer window closes on September 1. However, this would only materialise if Newcastle show flexibility regarding their rumoured £150m price tag for their star player.
Regardless, Eddie Howe will more than likely have to rely on a stand-in striker in the upcoming match against Liverpool, as he did in utilising Anthony Gordon as a false-nine in their goalless draw with Villa.