‘Never change’ - Michael Owen's message to Alexander Isak angers Newcastle United supporters

Former Newcastle United and Liverpool striker Michael Owen has insisted Alexander Isak does not want to leave St James’ Park for the money.

Toon fans have been in disbelief since it emerged the Swede is keen to join Liverpool. Eddie Howe’s men are preparing for a Champions League campaign, with those upstairs working on incomings after hitting several dead ends this summer.

Isak outlining his intention to leave has rippled through Tyneside like an explosion. Many have turned on the 25-year-old after he refused to travel to Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia.

Eddie Howe on Alexander Isak saga

While the official club line is a thigh injury, Eddie Howe has admitted Isak - who will remain in England throughout the tour - is unsettled. However, when speaking at the weekend, the Toon boss insisted the Magpies hold the cards.

"He is still our player,” Howe said. “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. We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year."

Michael Owen gets involved

Now ex-striker Owen - a man held in low regard by Newcastle fans - has given his analysis. Despite the Magpies reneging on a new contract understood to be pivotal to the fallout, the former England international dismissed the “money” argument - claiming Isak is motivated by success.

"If any decent player becomes available, the big boys come and eventually they move,” Owen told talkSPORT. “It's sad because you want competition in football, but you put yourself in a player's point of view. If you didn't have ambition, then football would be nothing. You've got one short career trying to win as much as you can, trying to get to the best team.

"That's what drives everybody. People will say it's money, but it's not. Most footballers just want to be in the best teams, in the best competitions and winning trophies. Unfortunately, this scenario will never, ever change."

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