Isak wants to explore tells Newcastle as he misses pre season Asia tour

Alexander Isak has reportedly delivered a significant blow to Newcastle, informing the club of his desire to explore options for a transfer away. This exclusive revelation by Mail Sport comes as the star striker did not travel with the squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East, citing a thigh injury reported earlier in the week.

Despite the official reason for his absence, Mail Sport can confirm that Newcastle's hierarchy is fully aware of Isak's wish to consider his future this summer. The 25-year-old still has three years remaining on his current contract. Chief executive Darren Eales had previously stated in March that discussions regarding a new deal would commence at the end of the season.

Isak unwilling to commit

However, it appears Isak and his representatives are currently unwilling to commit to fresh terms. This stance is fueled by reported interest from Liverpool, who are reportedly looking to make the Swedish international a British record signing, potentially surpassing the £116 million they recently paid for Florian Wirtz.

Newcastle's owners and head coach Eddie Howe are staunchly against selling Isak, with their strong preference being to negotiate new terms, even if that were to pave the way for a move next summer. While the club maintains a strong contractual position, an offer from Liverpool, or indeed any other club, in the region of £150 million, combined with Isak's expressed desire, could significantly accelerate a transfer in the coming weeks.

Isak's absence from Newcastle's recent 4-0 defeat at Celtic further fueled speculation. Howe had commented after that match that the player had been allowed to return home amidst the swirling rumors about his future, in addition to a desire to "manage his minutes." Despite the club's official line attributing his absence from the Far East tour to a minor thigh issue, the underlying transfer discussions are now unmistakably in the foreground.

Since joining Newcastle, the forward has developed into one of the most coveted strikers in world football under Howe, having scored 62 goals in 109 matches. Any potential sale would undoubtedly command a British record transfer fee, exceeding the £116 million Liverpool paid for Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen just last month.