Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has informed the club he wishes to explore a potential departure after missing their pre-season tour to the Far East.
The Swedish international's decision has opened the door for Liverpool to prepare a British record-breaking £150million offer for the 25-year-old forward.
The Reds saw their initial £120m approach rejected last week but remain determined to secure the services of last season's 27-goal striker.
Isak's absence from Newcastle's trips to Singapore and South Korea, officially attributed to a minor thigh injury requiring careful management, has intensified speculation about his future at St James' Park.
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|Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has informed the club he wishes to explore a potential departure after missing their pre-season tour to the Far East
Liverpool's rejected £120m proposal has not deterred their pursuit, with the Merseyside club now considering an enhanced offer that could reach £150m.
The striker has shown reluctance to commit to Newcastle's proposed new deal worth approximately £300,000 per week, instead informing the club of his desire to assess available opportunities.
Manager Eddie Howe had stated Isak would "absolutely" be travelling with the squad following their 4-0 defeat to Celtic on Saturday.
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PA | Alexander Isak scored 23 goals from 34 outings for Newcastle in the Premier League last seasonHowever, the forward was sent home from Glasgow after being affected by transfer speculation surrounding his future.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal have also expressed interest in acquiring the Swedish international's services, according to the Daily Mail.
Newcastle's contract negotiations with Isak have been complicated by unfulfilled promises from the club's previous co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi.
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Sources close to the player have indicated he felt let down when a promised pay increase from his current £130,000 weekly wages failed to materialise twelve months ago.
Former sporting director Paul Mitchell, who has since departed the club, had postponed contract discussions upon taking his position.
Mitchell believed the Swedish striker was already well-compensated and that Newcastle held a strong negotiating position with Isak contracted until 2028.
It has reported that the forward will now be evaluating his options whilst his representatives remain open to discovering what Liverpool might offer.
Newcastle's Saudi ownership continues to support Howe's desire to retain Isak, with the club maintaining their stance against selling their top scorer.
Despite Mitchell's earlier position on wage negotiations, Newcastle are prepared to shatter their £150,000 weekly wage ceiling to make the Swedish international their highest-paid player in history.
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Reuters | Alexander Isak is a wanted man this summer but Liverpool might have to fork out a nine-figure sum to sign himThe club faces pressure to resolve the situation swiftly, with concerns that prolonged flights to Asia could hamper Isak's fitness preparations for the new Premier League campaign.
Newcastle's pre-season fixtures against Arsenal, Tottenham and a K-League All Stars XI will proceed without their star striker.
Liverpool subsequently hijacked Newcastle's pursuit of Hugo Ekitike, though manager Arne Slot remains hopeful of securing Isak's signature.