3 hours ago
34
Newcastle's forward, Alexander Isak, has decided to give the Professional Footballers' Association's (PFA) awards gala a miss despite being in contention for a top honor.
The Swedish international, who has been nominated for the Players' Player of the Year award, is rumored to be staying away amid speculation about his future. Isak has allegedly informed Newcastle that he has played his last Premier League game for the club, even though the Magpies have rejected an offer from Liverpool.
A fresh bid from Liverpool could be on the cards before the transfer deadline, but Eddie Howe's club is keen to secure two more forwards before sanctioning any departure. On Tuesday, it emerged that Newcastle has opened talks with Wolves over a deal for Jorgen Strand Larsen, who could potentially replace Isak in the starting XI.
Isak is one of six contenders for the Players' Player of the Year award, alongside Bruno Fernandes, Alexis Mac Allister, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, and Mohamed Salah.
However, as per BBC Sport, Isak had not confirmed his presence at the awards ceremony barely 24 hours prior to its scheduled start time on Tuesday. Salah is widely expected to win the award after firing Liverpool to the Premier League title.
Last year, the coveted award was won by Phil Foden at the ceremony held in Manchester. The England international, who had just helped Manchester City clinch the league title with a career-best 19 goals, accepted his award in person.
The BBC's report suggests that previous winners and nominees have often left it late to confirm their attendance. However, the broadcaster also quotes unnamed sources suggesting that Isak does not plan to attend.
Isak's performances last term left him highly sought-after during the early stages of the summer transfer window.
The striker concluded the season with 23 league goals and 27 across all competitions - both personal records - helping Newcastle secure Champions League qualification.
Liverpool's opening offer was turned down by Newcastle. The forward remains intent on departing, however, and was omitted from manager Howe's matchday squad for the Premier League curtain-raiser against Aston Villa.
"I hope it's resolved quickly, because it's news around us all the time," Howe told TNT Sports following the scoreless stalemate at Villa Park. "Players have managed to shut that out and perform.
"We have to continue to do that. We have to cope without the narrative against us."
Newcastle's next game happens to be against Liverpool at St. James' Park. The Reds didn't face significant difficulties finding the net in their opener, with new signing Hugo Ekitike scoring in a 4-2 triumph over Bournemouth.
Ekitike was among the forwards on Newcastle's radar before his switch to Anfield, but the club has alternative targets, as it prepares for Isak's potential departure.
Brentford's Yoane Wissa and Paris Saint-Germain's Goncalo Ramos are both under consideration, with either capable of arriving on Tyneside before the transfer window closes on September 1.
English (US) ·