Will he go or will he stay? That’s the big question surrounding Alexander Isak at Newcastle United right now.
On Friday, Newcastle rejected a £110million bid from Liverpool and due to the nature of the rejection have briefed certain journalists to say they won’t be making another offer unless given encouragement by the Magpies.
The Sweden international wants to leave Newcastle this summer and has been training at former club Real Sociedad in Spain after sitting out of the club’s pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea.
Newcastle return to England on Monday, where Isak will be expected to re-join the squad at the club’s Benton training base. Whether he does, however, remains to be seen.
Liverpool have seemingly put the ball in Isak’s court, with it being on the player to change the Magpies’ stance. How far will Isak push for the move? Well, we’re about to find out.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have been exploring other striker options and if given encouragement that signing a replacement for Isak is possible then their stance may alter slightly.
The Magpies have held talks with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko but face competition from Manchester United, while the Yoane Wissa saga is far from over with the player pushing to leave Brentford.
In a scenario where Isak leaves and Newcastle sign a replacement (or two), we take a look at Eddie Howe’s side could line-up next season:
1. GK: Aaron Ramsdale
Right now, it's Nick Pope's spot to lose but Ramsdale will hope that changes soon. | Getty Images
2. RB: Tino Livramento
Livramento has been excellent at left-back and he'll hope to carry over that form over to the position he was signed to fill. | Getty Images
3. CB: Malick Thiaw
Thiaw has been signed as Fabian Schar's long-term replacement. | Getty Images
4. CB: Sven Botman
Botman was instrumental during his first season at St James’ Park but the last two have been dominated by knee issues. If Botman can put those troubles behind him then there’s no doubt he walks into Howe’s best XI. | Getty Images