Newcastle United transfer target ‘isolated’ by boss - major doubt for Liverpool clash

Newcastle United target Leandro Trossard has trained away from Brighton and Hove Albion’s first team in recent days amid concerns over his attitude.

That’s according to our sister site LondonWorld, who writes that the Belgium international has been isolated by Seagulls head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

De Zerbi, who succeeded Graham Potter in September, is said to be less than impressed by Trossard’s behaviour since returning from the Qatar World Cup last month.

Brighton host Liverpool at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm), and there is a strong suspicion that the 28-year-old will be left out of the matchday squad.

While Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth has shown interest in Trossard, a player he signed during his years as technical director on the South Coast, Tottenham Hotspur are supposedly leading the race.

It has been widely reported that Trossard’s contract expires in June but Brighton have already activated the option of a one-year extension.

Therefore, Trossard will not be available on a free transfer in 2023 but rather in June 2024, meaning Brighton are in a position to demand a sizeable fee for the in-form winger.

Since joining Brighton in 2019 from Genk, Trossard has scored 25 goals and provided 121 appearances. This season alone, Trossard has netted seven times.

Speaking about Trossard last week, De Zerbi told The Athletic: “I’d like to always play with Leo in the first eleven, but it doesn’t depend only on me, it depends on Leo.

“With me I want players that work for the team on the pitch and Leandro knows very well my opinion, my idea.

“I’ve spoken a lot of times with him. I like him as a player, but I want more from him, because he can play better, he can work harder, he can run more on the pitch and I want players who give 100 per cent in every training session and every game.

“Without these characteristics, then they can’t play with me.”