Alexander Isak REFUSES to play for Newcastle again in bid to force £150m Liverpool transfer

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak is 'adamant' he has played his final game for the club. The Sweden star top-scored for the club last season but has attracted interest from Liverpool this summer.

Liverpool saw a bid for the striker knocked back earlier in the window. However, the latest development could lead to a deal going through before deadline day.

As first reported by The Athletic, Isak has no plan to reintegrate into Newcastle's squad even if no deal is agreed before the September 1 deadline. Isak played out the 2024-25 season having decided that he wanted to move at the end of the campaign ever since he was informed last year that he wouldn't be getting a new contract.

Isak's stance comes amid a host of high-profile pundits making their feelings clear on his behaviour, with Ally McCoist declaring: "I think he's acted poorly."

He told Mirror Football:"I think he’s been poor. You can’t behave like that. The one set of supporters that won’t let you away with it are Newcastle fans. It’s hard to argue with them."

Isak's current deal runs until the summer of 2028, meaning Newcastle are unlikely to be forced to sell on the cheap. However, the latest development may make it easier for Liverpool to land the former Real Sociedad star. The Reds' first bid was worth up to £120million including add-ons. However, an improved offer around £150m could yet prove sufficient.

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Newcastle take on Aston Villa in their Premier League opener on Saturday, with Liverpool beginning their campaign against Bournemouth on Friday night. Isak is not expected to play a part, but a Liverpool move before deadline day would allow him to turn out for the champions early in the campaign.

The striker is said to have informed Newcastle boss Eddie Howe of his desire to leave before the end of last season. He finished the campaign as Newcastle's top scorer to help them qualify for the Champions League, but doesn't look likely to play any part in the next European journey.

Liverpool have already spent big during the summer transfer window, including a record-breaking move for Florian Wirtz. Hugo Ekitike has also joined the club, but exits for Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez have left room for another attacking recruit.

Newcastle let Isak's back-up Callum Wilson leave on a free earlier in the summer, and have seen a number of other attacking targets move elsewhere. Ekitike was on their radar before he moved to Anfield, while Joao Pedro chose Chelsea and Benjamin Sesko opted for a move to Manchester United.

A number of other options have emerged, with Howe's side running out of time to add the reinforcements they need. Porto striker Samu Omorodion is among those said to be in the mix, 12 months on from a move to Chelsea collapsing. while an on-off pursuit of Brentford star Yoane Wissa looks as though it could still result in a move in the coming weeks.

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