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Gary Lineker has confidently stated there's "not a chance" Alexander Isak will be seen at St James' Park for Newcastle United's game with Liverpool on Monday. The forward has been embroiled in a high-profile transfer tussle between the two clubs this summer.
The drama began to unfold in Tyneside last month when Isak skipped Newcastle's pre-season tour in Asia, choosing instead to train with his former team, Real Sociedad. The Swedish international then expressed a desire to consider opportunities away from the north east, which was followed by Liverpool lodging an initial $148 million (£110 million) bid.
After Newcastle quickly turned down the offer, Isak found himself training in isolation, as per instructions from the club's hierarchy. Presently, he is reportedly adamant about not playing for the Magpies again, having already sat out their Premier League kick-off against Aston Villa last weekend. Eddie Howe issued an update when he faced the media on Friday.
Earlier this week, Isak took to Instagram to end his silence regarding the ongoing saga, accusing his club of reneging on promises made in recent months and suggesting that parting ways would be the most sensible option.
With Newcastle preparing to welcome Liverpool for a Premier League showdown on Monday, there's been much conjecture over whether Isak will make an appearance at St James' Park to witness the match. Nonetheless, Lineker is convinced that Isak showing up is completely off the cards.
On The Rest Is Football, Lineker quipped: "The fixture list sometimes does this beautifully doesn't it? Newcastle vs Liverpool. Of course it is," and Alan Shearer chimed in with: "Monday night, I'll be at the match as well."
Lineker then questioned whether Isak would make an appearance, to which Shearer responded: "No, do you?" prompting the former Match of the Day presenter to laugh and say: "Not a chance."
Shearer went on to describe how Isak's transfer saga will heighten the drama at the game, remarking: "It'll be an incredible atmosphere. It's a bit tasty anyway, Newcastle Liverpool, so it's a bit of added spice I think, don't you?"
Lineker couldn't resist a jest: "Why don't you do a swap deal, for [Hugo] Ekitike? Just to stir things up a bit. Sorry, but you've got to try to see the funny side of these things, especially for fans, and you are a fan of Newcastle. I mean, it's just brutal."
Newcastle had its eyes on Ekitike this summer, but Liverpool swooped in. Ekitike has hit the ground running at his new club, scoring in Liverpool's Community Shield match against Crystal Palace and bagging a goal in the 4-2 Premier League victory over Bournemouth last Friday.
While Liverpool hasn't yet come back with a better bid for Isak, rumours suggest it might before the transfer window ends on September 1. That is, if Newcastle is willing to budge on its hefty $200M (£150m) price tag for its star player.
The Magpies continue to grapple with their own quest to secure a proven No. 9 to fill the gap left by Isak.
Earlier this week, Brentford turned down an offer from the club for Yoane Wissa, and while a second attempt hasn't been dismissed, it seems they're also eyeing Wolves' centre-forward, Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Wolves is keen to keep hold of the 25 year old, but a substantial offer from Newcastle could sway its decision. Regardless, Eddie Howe will likely have to make do with a makeshift striker once again when it faces Liverpool.
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