Alexander Isak pushing for Newcastle exit amid Liverpool interest

Alexander Isak has reportedly expressed a desire to leave Newcastle United this summer, casting fresh doubt over his future at the club as he remains absent from their pre-season tour of Asia.

The Sweden international has not travelled with the squad to Singapore and South Korea, with the official explanation pointing to a minor thigh injury.

However, sources close to the situation suggest that the 24-year-old’s absence is also linked to his openness to a move away from St James’ Park before the transfer window closes.

Isak was also missing from the matchday squad during Newcastle’s 4-0 defeat to Celtic last weekend, with Eddie Howe explaining at the time that the striker was recovering from a knock and preferred not to travel to sit in the stands.

Initially, there were indications that he could join up with the squad later in Asia, but that now appears unlikely.

Newcastle remain keen to keep the player, who scored 62 goals in 109 appearances since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022, and is regarded as a key figure in Eddie Howe’s project.

However, it is understood that Isak and his representatives have shown reluctance to progress talks over a new deal, despite the club’s willingness to improve his current terms.

Liverpool are among the clubs who have maintained interest in the striker, although Newcastle would likely demand a British-record fee in the region of £150m to even consider sanctioning a deal.

While the Magpies continue to insist he is not for sale, it is believed that a sizeable offer, coupled with the player’s desire to explore options, could change the dynamic.

Newcastle’s transfer strategy is already under strain following the exit of Callum Wilson and their failure to secure a replacement thus far. The uncertainty around Isak only adds to the complications for Howe, who has so far been unable to bring in a proven forward this summer.

Although the club is yet to make any formal announcements suggesting that Isak’s absence is anything other than injury-related, the developments point towards an increasingly delicate situation.

For now, the striker is expected to remain in the North East, continuing individual training while Newcastle face Arsenal, a K-League XI and Tottenham Hotspur in Asia over the next week.