Alexander Isak is working away from Newcastle‘s facilities as the striker pushes for a move to Liverpool which one local journalist “fully expects” to go through.
Isak was left out of Newcastle‘s squad for their tour of Singapore and South Korea with the club claiming a thigh issue.
But the overriding factor is that the Sweden striker is seeking a transfer to Liverpool, who are expected to make a formal bid as early as this week having registered their interest over a fortnight ago.
With Eddie Howe and his players currently in Seoul where they will face Tottenham in a friendly on Sunday, Isak has instead travelled to Spain.
Sky Sports report that the 25-year-old is working with a personal fitness coach at the training ground of former club Real Sociedad, who will benefit from a 10 percent sell-on clause in any deal.
This comes following claims from TBR Football that Isak was “absent without leave,” though those suggestions are currently unsubstantiated.
What is known is that Isak is “desperate” to join the Premier League champions and that a formal bid is likely to land in the coming days.
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, in an update on YouTube, confirmed that Isak had not been working at Newcastle‘s training ground and said he “fully expects” a deal.
‘Isak could move for £135 million’
“If Liverpool come to the table and offer a big offer, that deal will get done. It’s just whether Liverpool can come up with the funds or not,” Downie explained.
“I know Newcastle have set the fee at £150 million and that’s what they want; I think they’ll end up doing a deal for around about £135 million, something like that, which still smashes the Premier League record.
“I just think what’s the point in having a player who’s unsettled, who’s unhappy, who’s maybe causing some problems?”
Newcastle are already busy sourcing a replacement but that search has proved difficult, with Man United now prioritising a move for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.
Moves for both Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have already fallen short while Brentford have held firm in their stance over Yoane Wissa despite sizeable bids.
Fulham‘s Rodrigo Muniz and Aston Villa‘s Ollie Watkins have also been linked while Newcastle continue to be touted with a move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is now a free agent.
“If they miss out on Sesko, an alternative will have to be identified before an exit for Isak would be considered,” the Mail‘s Craig Hope has claimed.
Liverpool, despite the perception among many Newcastle fans, have a positive relationship with those at St James’ Park, in particular owing to Howe’s friendship with Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards.