Alexander Isak transfer bombshell as Man Utd threaten to derail Liverpool & Newcastle United bid

Alexander Isak could be forced to stay at Newcastle United with their attempts to sign a replacement taking a hit.

Isak has told the Magpies he wants to leave this summer as Premier League champions Liverpool weigh up a British record bid.

An unsettled Isak didn’t travel with his Newcastle teammates for their pre-season tour of Singapore and Seoul due to a “minor groin injury”. Instead, he is currently training at former club Real Sociedad with his own team of personal trainers.

Eddie Howe’s side return from the Far East on Monday. In the days after, Newcastle will wait with bated breath to see if Isak also returns to their Benton training base.

Newcastle United’s stance on Alexander Isak amid Liverpool interest

Newcastle have always said that Isak is not for sale but due to the player’s stance, it’s fair to say that feeling has slightly altered. But if the Swede is to be sold, then it will be on the football club’s terms.

The Magpies are believed to value Isak, who has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances since arriving from Sociedad in 2022, at £150million. With still three years left on Isak’s contract, the club are in a strong negotiation position.

Another key factor is Howe’s side finding a high-profile replacement, and that is where matters are complicated.

Manchester United could inflict blow on Newcastle United and Liverpool

Newcastle have been in talks to line up a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and are prepared to pay the Bundesliga club, the player and his representatives what they want. However, it’s understood Sesko prefers a move to Manchester United and is waiting to see if they can come up with the funds.

If the Magpies miss out on Sesko and can’t find an alternative, then the chances of letting Isak leave lessen.

Newcastle are already in the market for a striker to replace Callum Wilson, who departed following the end of his contract. The Isak situation means they are also looking for another.

Eddie Howe speaks about Alexander Isak’s future

Newcastle’s visit to Asia has been dominated by the Isak speculation, with many questions directed at head coach Howe.

While Howe admits his preference would be for Newcastle to fend off Liverpool, a final decision on Isak’s future will ultimately rest with the club’s hierarchy.

Speaking about the Isak situation on Tuesday, Howe said: “He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.”

Last week, Howe also said: “I wouldn't put a timescale on it. I think with these situations it has to be right for the football club, and everything then is taken into context below that.

“But the club will make the right decision with all the information that it has, and ultimately to try and move the club forward in whatever way that is. Then it's up to us to make good decisions the other way and try and improve the squad as best we can. That’s what we're trying to do, regardless of Alex's situation.

“But I think there's a wider picture here. There's a whole football club that has to make the decision. The ownership, together with the board of directors, especially with the money involved in modern day transfers. The manager of course has an opinion, but ultimately the decision will rest with the board.”

YOUR NEXT READ: ‘Preferred option’ - David Ornstein drops Newcastle United bombshell with Benjamin Sesko update.

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