4 days ago
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Alexander Isak is not expected to play for Newcastle anytime soon following the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the striker's future.
The future of the 25-year-old has been at the center of transfer speculation in recent weeks with the forward is said to be keen on a move to Anfield. Isak was left out of Newcastle’s squad for their summer pre-season tour in Asia and has been training alone since the team returned.
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian owners have taken a firm stance against the 25-year-old’s attempt to force a transfer. The report suggests that Isak has “refused to accept the decision calmly,” resulting in “friction and tension” within the club.
Liverpool learned of Newcastle’s refusal to entertain a sale after its bid of around $148 million was rejected last week, prompting them to step back from the transfer. The club has made it clear they will not make another offer unless Newcastle revises their stance.
Since then, the North East club has tried to sign a few forwards who could potentially replace Isak. The Magpies made a major move for Benjamin Sesko but were ultimately outbid by Manchester United.
The Telegraph revealed that "until Isak is willing to get his head around the fact that he will be denied a move in this transfer window, he will not play for the club".
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe also confirmed on Friday, following Isak’s continued absence from the friendly against Espanyol, that he does not anticipate the player being available for the match against Aston Villa next week when the Premier League returns.
"We’ve had discussions and it’s clear at the moment we can’t have him involved with the group," Howe said following the 2-2 draw.
"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."
When asked directly if he expected Isak to feature for Newcastle against Villa next weekend as the Premier League resumes, Howe’s response was far from optimistic. "I want Alex to be playing today," he said.
"I want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us, let me make that absolutely clear.
"There is no part of me that does not want that outcome. But I don't see the current situation changing before Aston Villa."
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