Alexander Isak is looking “increasingly likely” to remain at Newcastle despite handing in a transfer request to leave the club, according to Sky Sports.
Isak is yet to participate in any pre-season matches or training with the Newcastle squad this summer, after taking himself to Spain to train alone at former club Real Sociedad.
The Swede has been pushing for a move away from St James’ Park, with Liverpool lodging a bid of £110million for the striker at the start of the month. This was deemed wildly unacceptable by the Magpies.
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The Reds are yet to come back to the table for the forward, who scored 23 league goals last campaign.
Alexander Isak joined the Magpies in a deal worth £63million in August 2022
| PAIt is believed the clubs are some way apart in their valuation of the player, with Newcastle unwilling to sell for a fee below £150million.
Eddie Howe’s side also requires a ready-made replacement, which is something that has proven particularly difficult this summer.
After failed pursuits of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Benjamin Sesko, Newcastle find themselves scrambling far down on their list of targets to replace the 52-capped Swedish international.
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Benjamin Sesko became the latest signing Eddie Howe missed out on, as he joined Manchester United over the weekend
| GETTYIt is because of this that Sky Sports believes the situation now leans towards the striker remaining at the club for another year, despite the chaos that has ensued.
Speaking on Sky Sports, North East reporter Keith Downie explained: “It’s becoming a toxic situation, isn’t it? It’s not what Newcastle want ahead of the new season, and Eddie says he doesn’t see that changing ahead of their visit to Villa Park in their season-opener on Saturday lunchtime.
“I don’t think we are going to see anything definitive on this situation until the end of the transfer window.
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“I think as the days go on, it is becoming increasingly likely that Alexander Isak will remain a Newcastle United player this window.
“Of course, bridges are going to have to be mended, because the Newcastle fans are not happy with what they have seen from his conduct in the last couple of weeks.”
The update could provide Newcastle fans with optimism that their star man looks likely to stay at the club despite the ordeal.
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Alexander Isak could be set to remain at St James' Park
| GettyWhile the club cannot control the desire of players who do not play for them, Newcastle insist they will not be pushed around in the window or feel pressured to let Isak leave for less than what they believe him to be worth.
If Isak were to stay, the situation would be awkward at the least. The forward has made his intentions abundantly clear this window, despite Newcastle’s position to back the forward when handed the ultimatum by Liverpool to choose the Swede or Hugo Ekitike.
Howe had some positive news over the weekend however, as the club saw their £35million bid accepted for AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw.
The German international is said to have completed his medical today.