Newcastle United face a crunch decision over the future of Alexander Isak before the start of the 2025/26 season.
The Swedish international remains at the centre of major transfer speculation with Liverpool eyeing a move for the 26-year-old in the coming weeks.
Isak netted 23 Premier League goals - and 27 across all competitions - in 2024/25, with the former Real Sociedad attacker now considering his next move.
Newcastle confirmed he would not join up with the squad for their preseason tour of Singapore and South Korea due to an minor injury.
However, the situation has stepped up a gear since then, with confirmation of the striker asking to be omitted to 'explore opportunities away from the club this summer'.
With Isak under contract at St. James' Park until 2029, Newcastle can stand firm in negotiations with Liverpool, as Eddie Howe prepares to demand in the region of a Premier League record of £150m.
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Howe makes Isak preseason admission
Howe's side kicked off their tour of Asia with a 3-2 loss to rivals Arsenal in Kallang and the experienced coach dismissed the potential of Isak flying out to join them.
"No, no chance [of Isak joining the tour]," as per The Guardian.
"There’s things going on behind the scenes. He will be aware he’s in the news every day and I’m sure that’s not easy for anyone.
"Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private. We share a really good relationship with him. He’s been magnificent for us since he’s joined. He’s very popular in the dressing room and we’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle."
Howe's stance is clear, and Liverpool will need to break the English transfer record for a second time this summer to sign Isak, and that may prove beyond the current champions.
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