Why Alexander Isak was ‘training alone’ at Newcastle United amid Liverpool transfer talk

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Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United has been the subject of much debate this summer amid Liverpool’s attempts to sign him.

While Newcastle insist that Isak isn’t for sale this summer, the striker continues to be linked with moves away from St James’ Park.

The Sweden international still has three years left on his contract but clubs are still keen to sign him. Liverpool made an approach for Isak, while Al Hilal have been strongly linked with a move.

Isak missed Newcastle’s pre-season loss to Celtic after Eddie Howe sent him home. The 25-year-old wasn’t scheduled to play as the club looked to manage his minutes, though the Newcastle United manager has also confirmed that the speculation about Isak’s future at least part informed the decision to send him home.

Isak has been at the Newcastle United training ground ahead of the club’s pre-season tour of Asia later this month. Now, some fresh insight has emerged.

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

Alexander Isak suffered a small thigh injury for Newcastle United

Unconfirmed photos emerged on social media of Isak training away from the group earlier this week. Given all the talk about his future, it looked a noteworthy development. 

Still, according to Newcastle World, the forward felt some discomfort in his thigh and was duly sent for a scan. 

That came back clear but he was put through his paces in an individual session by the Newcastle United coaching staff, which is common practice in such a situation.

It’s added that Lewis Hall was also doing something similar as he continues to recover from the ankle injury he sustained in March.

What Alexander Isak wants if he’s going to stay at Newcastle United

Geordie Boot Boys have been told that Newcastle were shocked by Isak’s salary demands amid a push to get a new contract as a reward for his fine form.

Transfer insider Graeme Bailey told the website: “It’s a big decision for Newcastle to make.

“Newcastle have been willing to go up to £200,000-a-week. They are willing to break their wage structure, but I am not so sure if that will be enough.

“Newcastle were not expecting his demands to be at that level, from what I am told. They were shocked, but that is not to say they are refusing to pay him what he wants.

The player’s representatives are thought to be pushing for £300k-per-week, which is close to double what their current highest-paid player gets.

Bruno Guimaraes is Newcastle’s highest earner on a deal worth around £160k-per-week. Isak’s camp appear to be asking for over double that.

Deciding to go anywhere near that kind of salary would break the club’s wage structure, which could have an impact on how the rest of the Newcastle United squad are feeling.