Alexander Isak 'truth' emerges after Liverpool target sent home by Newcastle and trains alone

Liverpool inquired about Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak last week, but the Magpies are insistent that he won't be sold this summer — despite the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe left Isak out of his side's 4-0 defeat to Celtic last week, citing the transfer speculation around the Swedish forward as part of the reason. "Alex has trained this week and he's fine, but we didn't want to take the risk with him today," Howe said.

"Alex was with us all the way through Austria, but today, with all the speculation and things that are going on, I decided to send him home. It's purely the last thing Alex wants if he's not playing, is to be sat in the stand. Being under that scrutiny, I don't think that's fair to the player."

In addition to Liverpool, Isak also has interest from Saudi Arabia. And having valued him at more than $150M, his representatives would be well within their rights to ask St James' Park officials for a substantial salary increase.

This week, after being sent home rather than playing against Celtic, Isak was pictured away from the rest of his teammates. According to the Newcastle World, this is because of an injury.

The player is said to have had a scan on a potential issue. While it came back all clear, Isak has trained alone in order to ensure that no risks are taken. Lewis Hall, the Newcastle left-back, was in the same position.

(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

"I'd never give that guarantee to anybody," Howe told BBC Radio Newcastle when asked if he could be certain Isak would still be at St James' Park next season.

"I've been in football long enough to know that I could end up looking very silly, so I won’t do that. But I will say is that I think the desire from everybody and me included to keep him is as strong as it could be. So fingers crossed that will happen for us."

Newcastle was interested in the Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike earlier in the summer. However, the player is now closing in on a move to Liverpool instead.

A fee worth a total of $106 million (£79 million) including add-ons has been agreed for the striker, who scored 22 goals last season. His medical examinations are underway ahead of the deal being confirmed.

"I think it's difficult for me to give 100 per cent clarity on any player," Howe continued. "I'd never sit here and do that because it's football and you never know what could happen. All I can say is that Alex is happy at Newcastle.

"He loves the players that he plays with, the staff, the team. I've never had any issue with him other than really enjoying seeing his talent and seeing him express himself. Certainly, I'm confident that he's going to be here at the start of the season."

Liverpool.com says: Isak would be a dream option for the Reds but Ekitike, though he isn't the finished product yet, is exciting too. For the club to have committed so much money must mean they are convinced that he is the real deal. Under Arne Slot, and with the likes of Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah teeing him up, the Frenchman should go up another few levels.

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