Isak Eyes Newcastle Exit

Alexander Isak wants to explore his options for a move away from Newcastle this summer after missing the pre-season tour of Asia.

Newcastle have selected a 30-man squad but said the Sweden striker “misses out with a minor thigh injury”.

It is understood that some of Europe’s top clubs have been aware that Isak has been looking to take the next step in his career.

A source told BBC Sport that Liverpool are still interested in signing the 25-year-old, despite signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike for an initial £69m.

On Saturday Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said Isak would “absolutely” be part of the squad for the games in Singapore and South Korea.

BBC Sport has contacted Newcastle for comment.

Isak scored 27 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle last season.

He was left out of Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Celtic as Newcastle began their pre-season fixtures.

Newcastle have maintained that Isak is not for sale and Howe said at the weekend he remains “confident” the player will be at the club at the start of the season.

“It’s difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player,” Howe said after the Celtic game.

“Alex is happy at Newcastle. He loves the players he plays with, the staff, the team and I’ve never had any issue with him.”

Newcastle had a £70m bid rejected for Ekitike, while they have an interest in Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.

Meanwhile, Newcastle defender Lewis Hall, who has not featured since February with a foot injury, has been included in the tour squad.

Newcastle face Arsenal on Sunday in Singapore before travelling to South Korea to play a K-League All-Star team on 30 July and Tottenham on 3 August.

Which teams could afford Isak?
Newcastle have been steadfast in their stance on Isak throughout the summer as Howe looks to keep his squad intact for a return to the Champions League this season.

Isak has three years left on his contract and Newcastle, who are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), are in a comfortable position with profit and sustainability rules, meaning they are under no pressure to sell.

Most Premier League clubs are unable to match Newcastle’s reported £130m valuation.

Arsenal have previously been credited with an interest and have the budget, but they have since turned their attention to Viktor Gyokeres and are close to finalising a deal.

Manchester City have the funds to go after Isak but are unlikely to pursue a deal with Erling Haaland under a lengthy contract.

Chelsea have added strikers Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to their squad this summer.