Alexander Isak’s agent has refused to rule out a Newcastle exit, claiming they are “close to finalising the next step” in the Swede’s career.
Newcastle have insisted their star man is not for sale after strong interest from Liverpool, who would be open to paying £120million for the forward.
This stance has led Liverpool to move on and pursue the Magpies’ top target of their own, Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, in a deal that could surpass £82million.
The young French forward has already agreed personal terms with Arne Slot’s side, with a move now looking a formality.
Getty | Liverpool are now closing in on the signing of Hugo Ekitike for over £80million as Alexander Isak's alternative
With Ekitike set to move to Anfield, it means Isak looks likely to remain at St. James’ Park this season, although his agent, Gonzalo Gaitan, has refused to rule out a move away from the club.
“We are indeed studying and analysing all options, and we may be close to finalising the next step for the player,” Gaitan told Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah.
“Without revealing any details regarding whether Isak will transfer or stay with Newcastle.”
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Getty | Alexander Isak's agent has refused to rule out amove away from Newcasle
It has been said that Isak, who currently earns in the region of £130,000 per week on a contract that runs until 2028, was promised a new bumper contract at the end of the season.
However, sporting director Paul Mitchell was against the idea, believing the Swedish international already earned enough and was hesitant to break the club’s strict wage structure.
Mitchell has since left the club, meaning a new contract could well be on the horizon for the 25-year-old.
Isak was left out of Newcastle’s 4-0 pre-season defeat against Celtic on Saturday, with boss Eddie Howe confirming transfer speculation was the reason for his absence.
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“I chose to send him home,” Howe explained. “The last thing Alex wants if he is not playing is to be sat in the stand and under that scrutiny, then if he wasn't going to play today, we mutually agreed he shouldn't be here.
“It was my decision.”
The 47-year-old gaffer continued, insisting on his confidence that the striker would remain at the club despite the speculation.
He added: “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.
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|Eddie Howe admitted he decided to leave Alexander Isak out of his side's 4-0 defeat against Celtic due to the transfer speculation
“We have a few of those players who are irreplaceable. Your top players are so hard to find, so hard to recruit, and so hard to develop. So when you have them, you need to treasure them. Of course, we're desperate to keep him as part of our team.
“I think it's difficult for me to ever give 100 per cent clarity on any player, I'd never do that.
“All I can say is Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, the team.
“I’ve never had any issue with him, and I'm confident he's going to be here at the start of the season.”
Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for the Magpies since he joined the club for £60milllion in 2022 from Spanish side Real Sociedad.
The striker had his most prolific campaign last season, scoring 23 league goals, more than Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, which marked the second consecutive season he has notched over 20 league goals.