Alexander Isak has reportedly made it clear he will not play for Newcastle United again, even if a transfer away from St James’ Park does not materialise this summer
talkSPORT reported that the Swedish striker is said to be pushing hard for a move to Liverpool and is prepared to go to any length to secure the switch.
His stance has already seen him frozen out of Eddie Howe’s first-team plans, with no sign of him wanting to return.
While Newcastle remain adamant they do not want to sell their 25-year-old star, the club has been quietly assessing possible replacements.
They lost out on Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United and still have Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson on their radar.
Earlier in the summer, Liverpool tabled a £110 million offer for Isak, which the Magpies rejected.
No further approach has been made since, with the Reds unwilling to reignite talks unless Newcastle signal a willingness to negotiate, a situation reminiscent of their unsuccessful chase for Anthony Gordon last year.
As the new Premier League season kicks off, Newcastle will host Aston Villa on Saturday without Isak, while Liverpool begin their campaign against Bournemouth on Friday before both sides meet in the second week.