Rio Ferdinand gives honest Alexander Isak to Man United verdict after Newcastle revelation

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Alexander Isak has decided that he wants to leave Newcastle United at a time when Manchester United are in the market for a striker.

The 25-year-old might not be a Newcastle United player for much longer, as he skips the pre-season trip to Asia due to a thigh problem.

However, the bigger issue is that Isak wants to leave Newcastle. He is eager to explore his options, with Liverpool interested in Isak.

There could also be a chance to go to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal keen on a deal. However, Isak wants to remain in a top league, which would rule out a transfer to the Saudi Pro League.

• Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer

Rio Ferdinand knows Alexander Isak to Manchester United would be ‘difficult’

But what about Manchester United? Ruben Amorim is desperate to add a striker to his Red Devils rebuild, while they remain one of the biggest clubs in the world despite their recent plight.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand knows that it will be extremely ‘difficult’ for them to sign Alexander Isak unless they sell first.

“You’ve got Isak, who is somebody who looks like he’s not going on tour now with Newcastle,” he said.

“It looks like he has rejected that. He wants to get out. He wants to look at some options about leaving the football club.

“It’s difficult. I think if Man United can’t move those four players then they are going to have to look at players below that level in terms of transfer fee.”

The four players that Ferdinand is referring to are Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho, who have all been told their futures lie away from Old Trafford.

Alexander Isak joining Manchester United would be heartbreaking for Newcastle United fans

In reality, there is no way that Isak is going to join Manchester United. Their financial situation means they probably cannot afford him, while they cannot offer him the chance to play in the Champions League.

But if a deal was possible, it is difficult to envisage the Toon Army ever forgiving Isak if he swapped St James’ Park for Old Trafford.

It would be reminiscent of the Andy Cole deal in 1995. There was shock on Tyneside when Cole’s move to Manchester United was confirmed, with Newcastle dramatically losing their star player.

Kevin Keegan famously tried to explain the club’s decision to supporters at St James’ Park, as Sir Alex Ferguson poached Cole for a British record fee.

I don’t think Eddie Howe will be doing the same if Isak leaves this summer, but it will be interesting to hear what the Newcastle United manager has to say when he faces the media in Singapore.

No matter what Howe says, Isak to Manchester United is a non-starter.