The Sweden international missed the Magpies preseason tour of Singapore and South Korea due to 'minor thigh injury' which later transpired to confirmation of him asking to be left out. Isak has told Eddie Howe and the Newcastle hierarchy that he wants to 'explore opportunities away from the club this summer'.

Shaka Hislop is not impressed by the way Alexander Isak has gone about trying to force a move away from Newcastle to Liverpool.

The Swedish star is back with the Magpies after not flying out for their pre-season tour, after which he indicated his intention to pursue a transfer to Liverpool. The Reds' bid fell far short of Newcastle's valuation with no movement since, and Howe has insisted that he now return to Tyneside to prepare for the new season.