Newcastle insiders have Alexander Isak fear as Liverpool 'completely turn' star's head

Newcastle United insiders reportedly fear that Alexander Isak has played his final match for the Magpies after a failed attempt to hold clear-the-air talks. Liverpool have registered their interest in the Swede and saw a bid worth £110million plus add-ons, believed to take the total fee to £120m, rejected by Newcastle. The north east club value the striker at £150m but there have now been reports that they will not sell at any price.

But per Chronicle Live, Isak's head has been 'completely turned' by the Premier League champions and Newcastle are concerned the frontman will never play in black and white again. The deal is far from straightforward as Liverpool have not yet tabled a second bid since their first was rebuffed. The Reds declared that they would not return for Isak unless Newcastle's firm not-for-sale stance weakened.

And Liverpool have yet to improve their offer, having sat on the sidelines while Newcastle try to sign a striker having already lost Callum Wilson - now at West Ham - on a free transfer. Eddie Howe's side have failed to sign numerous attacking targets this summer including Chelsea duo Liam Delap and Manchester United pair Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo.

Meanwhile, Isak has been training individually and has been declared fully fit by Howe despite his absence from group sessions.

The Newcastle manager conducted talks with Isak which he has said will "remain private" but the report adds that with the idea of being reintegrated into the squad having been put to the 25-year-old, his response made his selection impossible despite being available.

Instead, the Swede will missed Friday night's draw with Espanyol and was not even present at St James' Park to watch the match from the stands. His representatives are looking to push through a move with personal terms already thought to be agreed with Liverpool.

Isak is frustrated with Newcastle and feels he has been let down by the hierarchy. He was denied a new contract in the summer of 2024 due to financial constraints after previously being told he would be rewarded for his progress with a bumper pay rise.

The striker still has three years to run on his current deal which pays around £120,000 a week and would secure a grand new salary with a move to Anfield.

As it stands, Isak will not be returning to the Newcastle squad or facing Aston Villa in their Premier League opener at Villa Park next weekend.

Howe explained on Friday evening: "I'd want Alex to be playing today, I'd want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us - let me make that absolutely clear. There's no part of me that doesn't want that outcome.

"But I don't see that changing before Aston Villa, the current situation we're in. We've had discussions and it's clear at the moment we can't have him involved with the group.

"I don't know how long that will be for. It's clear I can't involve him with the team at the moment. He is training later than the rest of the squad. There have been discussions since the tour. I don't think disciplinary action has happened.

"Of course he has a future at Newcastle. From our perspective, we would love to have him back with the team, but the situation has to be right for that to happen.

"He doesn't have a fitness issue. I'm aware of a feeling within the squad that there's something there not to the benefit of the group."