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Newcastle has reportedly assured Alexander Isak that he'll be free to depart next summer, following a new contract offer to keep him at St James' Park for an additional season. The 25-year-old Swede is eager for a move away from the north-east, with Liverpool's hefty $146 million bid for the international star having been turned down.
Since his transfer from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022, Isak has notched up an impressive tally of 54 goals in 86 Premier League matches. His contributions were pivotal in Newcastle's Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool in March, and he played a significant role in securing a fifth-place finish in the Premier League, earning the Magpies a spot in this season's Champions League.
However, the forward has expressed his desire to leave and was notably absent from Newcastle's tour of Asia, which the club attributed to a "minor thigh injury."
Transfer specialist Ben Jacobs reports that Newcastle's hierarchy believes Isak will either exit this summer or agree to a new deal, as they find it implausible for him to remain under his existing contract.
The Tyneside club has already attempted to persuade Isak to commit to a new deal, promising him the opportunity to move on after the upcoming season.
On the other hand, Liverpool is currently not inclined to lodge another offer for Isak unless it receives a positive signal from Newcastle. Should the Magpies signal a willingness to negotiate, Liverpool stands ready to swoop in.
Isak's future reportedly depends on whether Newcastle can secure a replacement for the star player and how strongly he pushes for a move away from the north-east.
Newcastle is currently chasing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who has netted 27 Bundesliga goals over two seasons in Germany.
However, an offer of $87M plus $5.3M in add-ons from Eddie Howe's team was reportedly rejected on Saturday, with Leipzig dissatisfied with the overall package.
Newcastle also faces competition from Manchester United for Sesko's signature, with the Slovenian international said to be taken by the Red Devils after learning about Ruben Amorim's long-term plans.
Isak has returned to England after training solo at the headquarters of his former club Real Sociedad.
Sky Sports reports that the player himself declined to join the Newcastle squad on tour in Asia, choosing instead to head to Spain to train with his own staff.
The Magpies reportedly value Isak at $199M but are reluctant to sell him, with the prolific striker still having another three years left on his current contract.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Express by clicking here.
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