Alexander Isak has been left out of Newcastle United's 30-man squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, with the Sweden striker reportedly open to a move away from the club. Liverpool are understood to be his preferred destination, though a transfer this summer is considered remote due to his £120 million valuation and contract until 2028.
Isak missed a friendly against Celtic last Saturday and was omitted from the Asia tour due to what Newcastle described as a minor thigh injury. Manager Eddie Howe said after the Celtic match: 'It was my decision. He travelled back to Glasgow with us but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. The last thing he wanted is to be sat in the stand watching, that wasn't fair to him. But I'm confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window.'
Newcastle have no desire to sell Isak as they prepare for a Champions League campaign, and the club has been eager to extend and improve his contract after he scored 23 goals in 34 Premier League games last season. However, the 25-year-old has shown little enthusiasm for the idea.
Liverpool signed striker Hugo Ekitiké this week for £79 million after concluding that Isak was out of reach, and they may now prioritise a centre-back. Newcastle had also been interested in Ekitiké but missed out, and they retain an interest in Brentford's Yoane Wissa after failing to lure Liam Delap, who chose Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have signed Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera for an initial £13 million, with performance-related add-ons. The 21-year-old, who can play anywhere across the backline, has agreed a five-year deal with an option for a further year and will provide cover for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.
