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Newcastle United attempted to renegotiate a new contract with Alexander Isak earlier this week, but the player rejected the approach and made it clear that he wants to join Liverpool this summer.
That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who claimed during a recent video that Isak has no intention of signing a new deal with Newcastle. Liverpool submitted a formal offer worth $148 million in an attempt to sign Isak earlier this window, but the bid was rejected.
Due to uncertainty surrounding his future, Isak has been forced to train away from the rest of the Newcastle squad. Isak is under contract at Newcastle until June 2028, but head coach Eddie Howe confirmed that he will continue to train in isolation unless his attitude changes.
Liverpool is reportedly ready to submit an improved offer for Isak, but is waiting for Newcastle to allow negotiations. Newcastle has attempted to sign a new striker, and a potential replacement for Isak, but has suffered a disastrous summer transfer window.
An attempted contract renegotiation and substantial pay rise for Isak failed, and the player is pushing to join Liverpool. "I'm told that he's saying in a very clear way to Newcastle this week, that he's not willing to sign a new contract at the club," Romano said in a recent update.
"Newcastle tried again earlier this week, but Isak has no intention to sign and wants Liverpool." Howe also provided an update on Isak's situation on Friday.
"We’ve had discussions, and it’s clear at the moment we can’t have him involved with the group," Howe told reporters. "I don’t know how long that will be for.
"It’s clear I can’t involve him with the team at the moment. He is training later than the rest of the squad. There have been discussions since the tour. I don’t think disciplinary action has happened.
"He is here, so of course he has a future at Newcastle. From our perspective, we would love to have him back with the team, but the situation has to be right for that to happen."
Newcastle has made several attempts to sign a new striker this summer and was interested in Ipswich forward Liam Delap. Chelsea ended up signing the England striker, and Newcastle began to focus on Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool then agreed a deal worth $106 million to sign Ekitike, beating Newcastle to the signing. Then, Liverpool began pursuing a record deal for Isak, but Newcastle has yet to enter negotiations.
Newcastle then attempted to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, and finally had a bid accepted. However, Manchester United hijacked the deal after Sesko admitted that he'd prefer to join the Europa League finalists.
It's still believed that Newcastle would only allow Isak to leave if a suitable replacement could be signed. However, with Isak unwilling to sign a new deal and his stock high, Newcastle may be forced to sell the striker.
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