Newcastle United have rejected a £110 million bid from Liverpool for striker Alexander Isak, making it clear the Swedish international is not for sale this summer, according to The Telegraph. The 25-year-old is reportedly unhappy with the decision and has been training separately from the first team. It is claimed he will not feature for Newcastle again until he accepts his desired move will not materialise.
Manager Eddie Howe had previously suggested Isak might leave after three years at the club, but Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian owners have taken a firm stance against selling. Liverpool will not increase their offer unless the situation at St James' Park changes, which appears unlikely despite Isak agitating for the move and being angry that a switch has been blocked.
Even if Newcastle sign a new striker, they will not reverse their decision on Isak’s future. The club is in talks to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford as a replacement for Callum Wilson and had shown interest in Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson. However, any new centre-forwards will be brought in to compete and play alongside Isak, not replace him.
Isak did not join Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia but was later spotted training at his former club Real Sociedad. The club has opted against punishing him, recognising that a gentle approach will facilitate his reintegration. Howe conceded that Isak cannot be involved with the group at present, saying: 'We've had discussions and it's clear at the moment that we can't involve him with the group. I don't know how long that will be for.'
