Newcastle United want to keep Alexander Isak amid interest from Liverpool, but contract talks have not taken place.
Isak still has three years left on his contract at Newcastle United but would like to leave the club this summer.
Indeed, Isak has asked to leave Newcastle and is keen to join Liverpool, who have already seen a huge offer for the Sweden international rejected.
The Premier League champions are expected to return with a new bid at some point, although Newcastle would reportedly need to sign a replacement before agreeing to a sale.
Eddie Howe has confirmed the 25-year-old still has a “future” on Tyneside, though admitted it’s “clear” he cannot involve him in group training during the transfer saga.
There have been suggestions that Newcastle were prepared to give the former Real Sociedad striker a new contract in a bid to keep him happy, although Geordie Boot Boys have now been told that is not the case.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
Newcastle United not in contract talks with Alexander Isak
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has told the website that Newcastle are yet to talk to Isak about an improved new deal.
Discussions could be held if Isak remains a Newcastle player beyond this summer, though there is little belief that will happen.
The club would improve his contract if given any encouragement but are not currently in talks.
Instead, Newcastle’s focus has turned to potential replacements for the former Real Sociedad striker.
“I am told that there currently is no consideration for a new contract for Alexander Isak – let’s get this right if he says he is ready to sign tomorrow a deal would be done within hours,” said Bailey.
“However, that is not the case – could talks happen if he is still at St James’ Park in September, most likely but at this point there is little belief that is the case.
“Away from Yoane Wissa, who is Callum Wilson’s replacement, Newcastle are working hard with intermediaries on an Isak replacement, they are doing that for a reason – that reason being they expect Isak to leave.
“They have a number of options, as said intermediaries are talking to Newcastle and on behalf of them – from [Nicolas] Jackson, to [Randal] Kolo Muani, to Samu [Aghehowa], to [Ollie] Watkins, to [Jorgen Strand] Larsen – there are options the club are assessing.”
Eddie Howe confirms Alexander Isak latest as Newcastle United exile continues
The Newcastle United manager gave a rather startling update on the Isak saga when speaking after Friday night’s draw with Espanyol.
Howe revealed that he simply had to focus on the players who “want to play” for the club, even if he’d love to have Isak available.
It now feels as if the situation is at an all-time low. Isak is free of the “minor thigh injury” that ruled him out of the pre-season tour of Asia but still isn’t involved.
Howe also revealed that he deemed it unlikely the situation would be resolved before the Premier League opener away at Aston Villa next weekend, meaning this ugly saga will likely drag on into the 2025/26 campaign.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
