Alexander Isak has reportedly told Newcastle United that he wants to explore a move away this summer amid strong interest from Liverpool.
The Premier League champions are keen on signing Isak, however, Newcastle are not willing to sell the 25-year-old prompting the Reds to switch focus to fellow striker Hugo Ekitike.
On Wednesday, Liverpool confirmed the signing of 23-year-old after agreeing a £79million deal with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Alexander Isak was not named in Newcastle’s squad for their pre-season tour of Asia after reporting a thigh injury earlier in the week.
The report claims that “the club’s hierarchy are aware of Isak’s wish to consider his options this summer.
The Sweden international has three years to run on his contract and as it stands, he and his camp do not want to commit, with Liverpool interested in making the Swede a British record signing.
“It was my decision. He travelled back to Glasgow with us but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him,” Howe said after their defeat by Celtic.
“The last thing he wanted is to be sat in the stand watching, that wasn’t fair to him. But I’m confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window.
“I think it’s difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player.
“Alex is happy at Newcastle. He loves the players he plays with, the staff, the team and I’ve never had any issue with him.”
“Yes, I’ve had discussions with him but that’s not abnormal. I respect a player’s career and how short it is. Alex has been really good, he’s trained really well and I realise there’ll be noise around him.”
Manager Eddie Howe said at the weekend that he remains “confident” the player will still be at the club at the start of the season.
