- The squad’s private concerns are revealed here – as they call for more signings to bolster Eddie Howe’s side ahead of Champions League campaign
Alexander Isak’s Newcastle team-mates believe he is likely to leave the club this summer, if Liverpool pay the British record fee their club would demand.
Mail Sport understands several of the squad have discussed the striker’s situation in the past 48 hours, after we revealed his desire to explore a transfer away from St James’ Park. Some feel his exit is increasingly likely.
The club’s stance remains that Isak is not for sale and they are in a strong position given he has three years to run on his contract.
The owners – Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the Reuben family – want to keep their best players. That message has been reiterated to Mail Sport in the past 24 hours.
However, with Isak ruling himself out of the club’s Far East tour after reporting a thigh injury – a subsequent scan is thought to have shown no serious damage – there is an acceptance among many inside the club that a complex and difficult situation has developed.
Liverpool are said to be preparing an offer for the 25-year-old and we understand that a move to Anfield is his preference. Sources claim the Premier League champions would have the funds to a do a deal, especially if one of Luis Diaz or Darwin Nunez is sold.
That would leave Newcastle with a decision to make, knowing the player has informed them of his wish to move on.
There is a feeling here in Singapore that a package in the region of £150million could see movement on a transfer that would rank as the biggest in world football this summer.
Newcastle landed in the Lion City on Friday and Mail Sport spoke to captain Bruno Guimaraes and vice-captain Dan Burn at the team hotel. Guimaraes admitted Isak is going through a ‘rough moment’.
‘I’m really close to him,’ said the Brazilian. ‘He’s a good guy. He’s been through some rough things at this moment. My focus is with the lads. Isak is something I cannot control. The club has control of it. I hope he’s going to be fit when we come back to Newcastle to prepare for the new season.
‘They told us he was there in Newcastle because of his injury. Of course he’s a top player for us and he’s going to be a miss on this trip. We need him ready as soon as possible.’
Burn was asked if he could understand Isak’s desire to further his career elsewhere.
‘Listen, everyone’s entitled to their own opinion,’ said the England defender. ‘But I think we can just control what we can control. That’s a question for Alex to answer.
‘He’s obviously a big player for us, but we do have a lot of quality in the squad as well. Bringing Anthony (Elanga) in as well, which I think was a great signing.’
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s summer of frustration in the transfer market has continued after missing out on Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, who is returning to Manchester City.
We understand City invoked a buy-back agreement one hour before its deadline expired, leaving Newcastle helpless after believing they had made progress on a £27m offer.
Yoane Wissa’s proposed move from Brentford has been delayed after a key member of staff at the Brentford end had to take time off to deal with a private matter. A deal in the region of £35m could be agreed over the weekend.
Contact has also been made with RB Leipzig over Benjamin Sesko, although a firm offer could depend on Isak’s situation.
