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Former Liverpool player Jason McAteer says it would be a "gamble" to sign Alexander Isak because of the way he has tried to force a Newcastle exit this summer.
Isak has missed both of the first two fixtures that Newcastle has played in the Premier League, sitting out the trip to Aston Villa and the visit of Liverpool to St James' Park. He is not expected to return in time to face Leeds United on Saturday, with the transfer deadline — on Monday — now looming.
"Of course, Isak’s attitude is a concern," McAteer said. "I’m looking at becoming a sporting director, and you look at these situations and try to learn and work out what you’d do.
"You have to question the player's temperament and what he’s doing. It’s a big gamble.
"I don’t know what’s going on, from the outside looking in, but the agent must be involved somewhere giving his advice. I’m sure Liverpool have told him they want him, and he knows they want him.
"What’s been said, I’ve no idea. Maybe Liverpool have told him to sit tight, and let him know they will sign him if the door opens.
"But I understand things are tough for Newcastle. They have no other recognized striker. Anthony Gordon proved again he can’t play through the middle.
"The occasion got to him [against Liverpool], and the position wasn't right for him. He caught Van Dijk and put his team in a difficult position."
Newcastle is trying to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves and has also targeted the Brentford striker Yoane Wissa. If it could do a deal for both players, that might see its Isak stance soften, though the clock is ticking.
"I don’t like the way it’s being played out; most sides are losing right now," McAteer, speaking to 10bet, continued. "You question the integrity of the game, the integrity of the player, and the way things are being handled.
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"At the end of the day, I’m sure he just wants to play football. If Newcastle don’t get anyone in, they and he will have to reintegrate. Then they have to rebuild a relationship with the fanbase.
"It’s hard to see that happening. Of course, a hat-trick for Newcastle on his return and things might change, football can be fickle. Fans can be fickle.
"Liverpool would love to get him over the line, but it’ll cost them more than what they’re offering."
Liverpool.com says: Isak has tried to force an exit, but the Reds wouldn't make a move if they had any concerns. The player feels that he has been promised things that haven't been delivered, so there are two sides to the story.
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