Alexander Isak has taken his escalating row with Newcastle United to a new level in the last 24 hours by claiming the club broke a promise over a potential move to Liverpool.
The Magpies have been at a stand-off with their star striker for over a month after he requested to miss their preseason tour of Asia to consider his exit options from St. James' Park.
Isak is currently training alone on Tyneside with Eddie Howe confirming he is not currently eligible for selection.
Liverpool saw a £110m offer rejected at the start of August as Newcastle value their talisman at £150m.
Arne Slot's side have not made a second offer, with Newcastle previously indicating they would not sell, unless a replacement is sourced before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Isak missed the PFA Awards gala on August 19, and the 25-year-old released an explosive Instagram statement, outlining his view of a point of no return at Newcastle.
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Newcastle have since doubled down on the matter, claiming 'no commitment was made that he could leave this summer' regardless of the offer put forward from an interested club.
The intention from Howe at the start of the summer was to sign players to join Isak in the Newcastle attack and that remains his priority.
If Isak stays or goes - with the former now looking more likely - Howe will need fresh faces to ensure his Super Swede remans at the peak of his powers. The Sporting News takes a look at five options that could come to St. James' Park.
MORE: Premier League striker rankings: Comparing each club's No. 9 options ahead of 2025/26 EPL season
The Priority - Yoane Wissa
Wissa finds himself in a similar situation to Isak after refusing to return to the Brentford fold amid reports he is furious at being denied an exit.
Following the departures of Thomas Frank, Christian Norgaard and Bryan Mbeumo, Wissa is looking for a new challenge, and Newcastle are in talks with the Bees.
On the back of scoring 19 Premier League goals last season, Wissa's transfer valued has soared to £60m with Newcastle only willing to pay £40m.
Wissa is expected to keep pushing, and the sense is that Brentford will cave in eventually, but it could run right up until deadline day.
The Potentials - Jorgen Strand Larsen, Goncalo Ramos
PSG forward Ramos has emerged on Howe's radar, as he continues to remain as a Plan B for Luis Enrique, despite netting 19 goals last season.
Ramos has a £100m release clause at the Parc des Princes - which Newcastle will not match - and PSG want to retain the Portugal international, if they can convince him over a rotating role again in 2025/26.
Strand Larsen may not be the most fashionable choice, but he did score 14 Premier League goals on loan at Wolves last year, with Vitor Pereira since making his temporary switch from Celta Vigo into a permanent one.
The Norwegian will not generate too much excitement - particularly if Isak leaves - and Wolves will demand at least a 50% profit from the £24m they have just paid for him.
The Wildcards - Nicolas Jackson, Samu Aghehowa
Jackson wants to leave Chelsea and Enzo Maresca is happy to let him go after bringing in Liam Delap and Joao Pedro this summer.
But, the Senegalese international's goal record of 24 top-flight goals in two seasons is not great, and his red card record is also a concern - after being dismissed against Newcastle last season.
A loan offer, subsidised by Chelsea could be tempting, but Aston Villa are in front in the race if he exits Stamford Bridge.
Part of the reason Chelsea signed Jackson in 2023 was based on missing out on Atletico Madrid's Samu Aghehowa - who has since moved to Porto.
The Portuguese side bought Atletico Madrid's remaining share in him earlier this year after scoring 27 goals in his debut 2024/25 season.
Newcastle will not meet Porto's rumoured £80m asking price, but his profile and goal record could be the perfect Isak 2.0, but a move is unlikely unless their current No.14 leaves.