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Alexander Isak’s future remains uncertain (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Alexander Isak’s future remains uncertain (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Luke Edwards
©Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd
Today at 17:09
Alexander Isak remains adamant he wants to leave Newcastle United despite the intervention of chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan who is keen to broker a deal that leads to the striker remaining at the club.
It is understood that Isak has repeated his desire to be allowed to join Liverpool, even though Newcastle have not received a bid that comes anywhere near matching their valuation.
A Public Investment Fund [PIF] delegation, along with co-owner Jamie Reuben, met with the player at his home on Monday but there does not seem to have been any progress made in getting the player to return to training.
Alexander Isak’s future remains uncertain (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Alexander Isak’s future remains uncertain (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe wants clarity over Alexander Isak’s future
Isak seems determined to remain on strike until he gets his desired move or the transfer window shuts. That deadline is only six days away but it seems certain the striker will miss Newcastle’s game against Leeds United on Saturday, having already refused to play against Aston Villa and Liverpool.
Liverpool are thought to be ready to make a second offer after the opening £110m bid was rejected more than three weeks ago, but are waiting for encouragement from the Newcastle board.
However, it is understood Liverpool are unwilling to make another offer if there is no hope of it being accepted and will not pay anything close to Newcastle’s £150m asking price.
As things stand, Newcastle are still refusing to sanction the transfer and their view that the conditions for a possible departure have not been met remains steadfast. Not only would Liverpool have to match their valuation of the player, Newcastle would also need to sign two strikers before the close of the window.
The final call will be made by majority stakeholders, Saudi Arabia’s PIF, of which Al-Rumayyan is the most senior figure.
PIF have maintained all summer that Isak would not be allowed to leave but the pressure they are being put under by the player to force them to change their mind has been intense and unexpected.
Manager Eddie Howe has urged the board to bring clarity to the situation as he focuses on incoming deals. Newcastle are looking to sign Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen and retain an interest in Brentford Yoane Wissa and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson.