Alexander Isak NOT on Newcastle pre-season tour as Liverpool transfer target stays home

Alexander Isak has NOT travelled with Newcastle for their pre-season tour of Asia. Isak, 25, is, according to his club, nursing a thigh injury - little over a week after Liverpool made an approach for his services.

It comes just days after Newcastle boss Eddie Howe sent the striker home ahead of their friendly against Celtic because of the 'speculation' surrounding his future. Isak had been involved in the Magpies' training camp in Austria prior to the bruising 4-0 defeat in Glasgow.

Howe's men are due to play Arsenal in Singapore at 12:30pm on Sunday. Newcastle will then play two matches in South Korea, facing the K-League All-stars and Tottenham.

But Isak won't be involved, with medical staff reportedly concerned over how the long-haul flight could impact the Liverpool target's injury. Isak has also been linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabian heavyweights Al-Hilal.

Newcastle insist that the Swede isn't for sale and would demand at least £125million, a British record, if they were forced to sell.

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Liverpool confirmed the £79m signing of striker Hugo Ekitike, who was a target for Newcastle, on Wednesday night. But the Premier League champions are very keen on Sweden striker Isak, who is also understood to be keen on a move to Anfield. Arsenal are also known to be admirers too.

Liverpool made an enquiry last week about a deal for the ex-Real Sociedad and Borussia Dortmund frontman, but it was dismissed by the Toon. But speculation soon ramped up when it emerged that Isak had been left out of Newcastle's squad to face Celtic.

Following the loss in Glasgow, Howe explained: "It was my decision. He travelled back to Glasgow with us but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. 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.

Should Liverpool make a bid for Alexander Isak? Have your say in the comments section.

"It's difficult for me to give 100 per cent clarity on any player. Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, the team. I'm confident he'll be here at the start of the season.

"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."

Isak also didn't feature when the Magpies hosted non-league side Carlisle United in a behind-closed-doors friendly prior to their visit to Austria. He remains under contract until 2028.

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