Newcastle have made a final decision on Alexander Isak's future in a potential huge blow to Liverpool's transfer plans.
The Premier League champions are reportedly preparing a second bid for Isak, having seen an opening offer worth £110million rejected by Newcastle earlier this month.
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Newcastle are pressing ahead with attempts to sign new strikers this month amid uncertainty over Isak's future. Standard Sport understands talks over signing Yoane Wissa have been revived, and there is interest in a deal for Nicolas Jackson.
But The Telegraph report on Saturday that Newcastle have now told Isak that he will not be sold this summer, in what is being described as a show of defiance from the club’s Saudi owners.
Isak has reacted angrily to the stance as he continues to push for a move to Liverpool, having decided earlier this year that he will leave the club this summer.
The striker has been exiled from the squad, with less than a week until the new season starts. Speaking on Friday night, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said of Isak: “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, but that’s the latest. I’d want Alex to be playing today, I’d want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us. Let me make that absolutely clear. There’s no part of me that doesn’t want that outcome, but I don’t see the current situation changing for [first game of the season at] Aston Villa.”
Isak has three years remaining on his contract, so Newcastle are under no financial pressure to sell. The report adds that Newcastle believe Isak has been badly advised and have denied the suggestion of a gentleman’s agreement over a summer move.
It remains to be seen if Liverpool push ahead with an expected second bid, and could be encouraged by Isak's determination to leave and fury at his current club's stance.
