Alexander Isak's future will dominate the final days of the Premier League transfer window.
Newcastle United are prepared to stand firm over their determination to keep the Sweden international beyond the September 1 deadline.
Following a public declaration from the striker over his desire to leave the Magpies, the club have rejected his claim of 'broken promises' relating an agreed exit if an acceptable offer landed.
Liverpool have seen a £110m [$149m] bid rejected earlier this month, with Newcastle prepared to demand £150m [$202m]for their talisman, who is under contract on Tyneside until 2028.
Newcastle's struggles to secure a replacement have deepened their desire to retain the former Real Sociedad forward despite his ongoing exile from Eddie Howe's squad.
Howe has indicated he will not play again for Newcastle until the matter is resolved and he is certain to miss the trip to Leeds United on August 30.
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That is Newcastle's final game before the September international break with Isak preparing to head away on international duty with Sweden.
Sweden boss - and former Newcastle striker - Jon Dahl Tomasson has included Isak in his 24-player squad for the start of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with trips to Slovenia and Kosovo on schedule for September 5th and 8th.
Tomasson admitted Isak's lack of action is a major concern, with the 26-year-old missing Newcastle's entire preseason, and he will only play a limited role due to no match action since May.
"It's very difficult to have a clear opinion on the situation. We don't know what's happened in the club," as per Liverpool.com.
"We must be very careful about drawing hasty conclusions when we don't have the whole picture. Alex is a very professional player, a strong character, and has worked hard. He's a game changer.
"I've spoken to him several times; mentally, he's strong. What we said stays between us. Can he play 90 minutes? Of course not. Not at all."
Tomasson's comments indicate his clear concern over Isak's match sharpness after a controversial summer.
The plan will be to involve him at some stage in both games with Newcastle teammate Antony Elanga set to partner new Arsenal star Viktor Gyokeres in the Swedish starting attack.
Alexander Isak news and related links
- Liverpool and Newcastle target Serie A star as Isak 'replacement'
- Wayne Rooney claims there's 'no way back' for Isak at Newcastle
- Newcastle United step up interest in Premier League star to replace Isak