Newcastle players are divided over Alexander Isak, with the 25-year-old eager to leave the club for Liverpool before the transfer window slams shut at the start of next month.
The forward, who has three years left on his deal at St James' Park, went public with his desire to depart on Tuesday.
Isak released an astonishing statement, with the Sweden international insisting it would be in the 'best interests' for everyone if he was to move on.
The striker, who flourished last term as Newcastle won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League, also accused the Toon of breaking promises behind the scenes.
Newcastle players are divided over Alexander Isak, with the 25-year-old eager to leave the club for Liverpool before the transfer window slams shut at the start of next month
|GETTY
While that's the case, Newcastle still have no intention to let their talisman go.
According to the Daily Mail, Isak's statement has only strengthened their resolve. Having missed out on the likes of Joao Pedro, Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Etikike, they know replacing him is easier said than done.
Behind the scenes, however, Newcastle players are 'divided' on Isak behind the scenes.
Team spirit reportedly remains strong but some support Isak, while others don't. No names are mentioned.
JUST IN: Newcastle hit back at Alexander Isak and take aim at Liverpool in latest twist to ongoing saga
Furthermore, Newcastle have been left baffled by some of Isak's comments.
They insist that their forward was never promised a move away from St James' Park, while his relationship with Eddie Howe, the club's coaching staff and his team-mates still remains positive.
Newcastle think Isak's 'gripe' is due to being promised a new deal by former co-owner Amanda Staveley during her time ruling the roost.
Staveley felt Isak was owed a new deal, despite the former Real Sociedad and Borussia Dortmund star already being among the club's highest-earners.
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Alexander Isak is determined to play under Arne Slot at Liverpool as he pushes to leave Newcastle before the close of the summer transfer window | PAYet when Paul Mitchell arrived, he told Isak he wouldn't be given a pay increase due to the amount of years left on his deal.
Mitchell's stint on Tyneside was brief, with the former Monaco and Tottenham supremo leaving earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Newcastle released a statement of their own on Tuesday and insisted that Isak could yet be welcomed back into the fold, despite his antics raising eyebrows.
They said: "We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening.
"We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.
"We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views.
"As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired.
"We do not foresee those conditions being met.
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Alexander Isak retains a positive relationship with Eddie Howe despite his desire to leave Newcastle
| PA"This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel.
"Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates."