Arne Slot has dodged any questions about the wantaway Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, as the two teams are set to play later today.
Isak has been the story of the transfer window as he tries to force a move to Liverpool, with the striker claiming Newcastle have “broken agreements” with him.
Liverpool had their first £110million bid for Isak rejected and have sanctioned a £130million bid to be put to the Magpies after the game.
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Slot remained stoic when questioned about Isak’s future as he quickly shifted his focus onto new signing Hugo Ekitike.
He said: "I think the way Hugo Ekitike started his career at Liverpool, we should talk about him and say how well he did.
"The transfer window will close on September 1, not allowing much time to get a deal done should the sides reach a figure, but Newcastle have repeatedly said that their striker is not for sale.
Slot continued: "It would be unfair to him to talk about other targets if they are actually there.
"And if they are there, we don't speak about them in public. But I think the main thing should be that we talk about how well Hugo has done until now."
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Arne Slot remained tight lipped after being questioned about Alexander Isak
|REUTERS
Last week, Isak released an explosive statement, detailing why he wanted to leave the club, stating: "When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue.
"I'm proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25.
"First and foremost, I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who have supported me along the way.
"I'm not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn't feel right to be there.
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Alexander Isak's future is still unknown
|REUTERS
"I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.
"The reality is that promises were made, and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
"When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself," he concluded.
Isak is not expected to take part in the fixture tonight as he continues his walkout in his attempts to force a move to the Premier League champions.
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Arne Slot refused to make Hugo Ekitike feel uncomfortable so soon into his Liverpool career
|REUTERS
Former Manchester United legend Nicky Butt recently spoke to GB News on behalf of BetMGM, and revealed that Isak "can never play for Newcastle again."
He told us: "There’s no way he can come back to training and just apologise. To win back the fans, he’d have to win the Premier League and score the winning goal.
"I think you’ve got to let him go—get the money in, give it to the manager, and let him buy the players he wants, I think it’s sad. After the season they had last year and the season he had," he concluded.