Alexander Isak prepared to head off to the Far East for pre-season tour following Liverpool transfer contact.

Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United is uncertain, with the Swede’s agent saying that they are’studying all alternatives’ as speculation grows.

Liverpool may be on the verge of signing Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, but whispers remain about the club’s interest in Newcastle United attacker Alexander Isak. The Reds have agreed to a deal with the Bundesliga club worth up to $106 million (£79 million), and the Frenchman will undergo a physical on Tuesday before completing his move to Anfield.

With the acquisition of Giorgi Mamardashvili, whose transfer from Valencia was approved last summer, Ekitike’s arrival will bring Liverpool’s total spending close to $404 million.

Liverpool’s transactions, however, may not end there, with potential additions to the attack and a new center-back on the way. Given the lingering uncertainty surrounding the futures of Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Federico Chiesa, Liverpool is likely to require at least one more new forward.

However, having committing to spending on Ekitike, it remains to be unclear whether the Reds will then seek Isak, who bears a price tag of more than $160 million (£120 million).

The Swedish striker’s future remains uncertain, particularly after he was left out of Newcastle’s friendly loss to Celtic on Saturday. Eddie Howe revealed that the decision was made in response to the continuous transfer speculation.

Adding fuel to the flames, one of Isak’s representatives, Gonzalo Gaitan, admitted they are examining ‘all options’ for the Swede, causing more confusion and conjecture.

“We are indeed studying and analysing all options,” he stated in an interview with Saudi Arabian publication Arriyadiyah. “And we may be close to finalising the next step for the player, without revealing any details regarding whether Isak will transfer or stay with Newcastle.”

The uncertainty surrounding Isak’s future stems partly from Newcastle’s reluctance to present him with a new long-term contract that includes a well-deserved pay increase, prompting his agents to ‘play the game’ about his career possibilities.

By keeping the situation unknown, they strengthen their position in negotiations over the Swedish striker’s future, whether that means securing the deal he wants at St. James’ Park or earning a lucrative move abroad.

Examining Howe’s comments at his post-match press conference following the Celtic defeat reveals that Isak’s employment at the club isn’t as stable as one might assume.

Despite stating that the Magpies have not received a formal approach from Liverpool, Howe admitted that he could not provide total clarity on Isak’s future and would only express his hope that Isak remains with Newcastle come the season opener on August 16.

Hugo Ekitike celebrates with Frankfurt (Image: Alex Grimm)

“No, there’s been no formal approach,” he said. “I believe it is tough for me to provide 100% clarity about any athlete. I wouldn’t sit here and do that because football is unpredictable. All I can say is that Alex is pleased in Newcastle. He adores his teammates, as well as the coaching staff and the entire team.

“I’ve never had a problem with him, and I really enjoy seeing his talent and seeing him express himself.” Certainly, I am optimistic that he will be here at the start of the season.

“We have a few players like that, and I believe they are irreplaceable. Your top players are extremely difficult to locate, attract, and develop.

“So, when you have them, you should treasure him. We certainly, on the staff, appreciate his talent and his ability. We are obviously desperate to keep him on our team.

“It was just the last thing Alex wanted when he wasn’t playing: to be sat in the stands. Being subjected to such scrutiny does not seem fair to the player. If he’s not going to play today, as we agreed, because he needs a little more training time, he’s better off not being here.”

Howe also said that it was his choice to send Isak home, and that he had discussed the striker’s future with him. “I chose to send him home,” he explained. “The last thing Alex wants is to be sat in the stands being scrutinized, so if he wasn’t going to play today, we agreed he shouldn’t be here.

Alexander Isak’s future remains unclear (Image: Getty Images)

“That was my decision. He traveled back to Glasgow with us, but I chose to send him home due to the rumors around him. Both Joelinton and Isak are fit but not ready to play. Alex has trained and is OK, but we did not want to take the risk with him.

“Yes, I have had disagreements with him, but it is not unusual. I respect a player’s career, no matter how brief it is. Alex has been excellent, he has been thoroughly taught, and I am aware that there will be noise surrounding him.”

Meanwhile, Howe announced that Isak would accompany Newcastle on their pre-season tour of the Far East, which includes stops in Singapore and South Korea. It comes after Liverpool players headed to Hong Kong for their own pre-season trip this week.

“Yes, absolutely. “He is a member of our team,” Howe said. “At this time, I expect him to arrive. I’d never guarantee somebody [staying] because I’ve been in football long enough to know I may wind up looking foolish. However, everybody’s desire to keep him is as great as it can be. Fingers hoping that happens for us.

==”I believe that for any athlete, speculation is a difficult thing to deal with and understand, especially when you’re taking calls and texts from players and people asking you all kinds of questions. I simply want him to focus on himself, his training, and getting ready for next week.”

Newcastle is preparing for its next match against Arsenal on Sunday, July 27, in Singapore, followed by matches against a K-League XI and Tottenham Hotspur in South Korea.

Tottenham Hotspur threaten to ‘hijack’ Newcastle United’s deal for a £50 million-rated star

Tottenham Hotspur might become the latest team to ‘hijack’ a Newcastle United transfer this summer, following reports of interest in Yoane Wissa.

Newcastle United news: Headlines, team updates, match previews, and reports – everything NUFC.

Newcastle United have already lost a number of transfer targets this summer in what has been a difficult window for Tyneside. The Magpies still have time to make this summer a success, but after losing Liam Delap, Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, and Hugo Ekitike this summer, they will be hoping to escape the same fate between now and Monday, September 1.

Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool benefited from Newcastle United’s actions, as the club shopped in the top markets for players. However, they cannot afford to have too many more transfer targets join their Premier League opponents, as a number of areas in Eddie Howe’s side still require strengthening.

One of these priority areas is upfront. Callum Wilson’s departure leaves them desperately short of striker alternatives, with Alexander Isak serving as the club’s sole recognised senior striker.

Will Osula is still inexperienced and has yet to start a Premier League game for the Magpies. In an emergency, Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga could fill in for Isak, but having a backup plan is critical.

Delap could have played that role, but a transfer to Stamford Bridge and the prospect of more first-team football influenced his decision. Ekitike was also mentioned as a candidate, and while it was feasible to play both him and Isak on the same squad, Liverpool’s desire, like PSG’s three years before, made a deal for the Frenchman nearly impossible.

Tottenham Hotspur will ‘hijack’ a move for Yoane Wissa.

Newcastle’s search for a new striker has reportedly led them to Brentford player Yoane Wissa. Wissa scored 19 Premier League goals last season and is desired by several clubs this summer, including Nottingham Forest.

Wissa has also piqued the interest of St James’ Park, but there are two major obstacles to clear before they can complete a deal for the Bees forward. Brentford has already negotiated a deal with Manchester United for Bryan Mbeumo, and the club will be very reluctant to lose both Mbeumo and Wissa this summer.

The second is that if they agree to sell the striker, who is valued at £50 million, Tottenham Hotspur may compete for his signature. Tottenham are now managed by Thomas Frank, who previously worked with Wissa at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Frank and Wissa’s connection, along with the London element, may be too much for Newcastle United to overcome in convincing the 28-year-old to move to St James’ Park instead. The Europa League winners also have Champions League football to offer any new arrivals this summer, and they have already displayed their financial capabilities by acquiring West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus.

Kudus, who was also targeted by Newcastle United, joined Tottenham for more than £50 million earlier this summer. Newcastle will play a pre-season friendly against Frank’s team in South Korea on Sunday, August 10.

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