Alexander Isak has told Newcastle he wants to explore a move away from the club, talkSPORT understands.

The Swede has not travelled with Eddie Howe’s squad for their pre-season tour to Singapore amid continued speculation over his future.

4

talkSPORT understands that Newcastle sources insist it’s down to a thigh issue, despite a precautionary scan coming back clear.

Isak has informed the Magpies that he wants to explore his options, but has stopped short of an official transfer request, as of yet.

The club’s hierarchy are aware of Isak’s wish to consider his options this summer and isn’t willing to commit to new terms, with his current contract running until 2028.

The 25-year-old has attracted interest from Liverpool this summer while also being linked with a money-spinning move to Saudi Arabia.

Premier League champions Liverpool are prepared to pay a British transfer record fee for Isak, who is valued at £150million.

The Reds have signed one striker already after confirming the arrival of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79m.

However, Liverpool remains an active suitor for Isak, whether now or in future transfer windows, with Newcastle’s preference still to keep.

talkSPORT understands that if the Tyneside outfit’s hand is forced, then they would rather do a deal to send their prized asset to Saudi Arabia rather than a Premier League rival.

Al Hilal are currently preparing a bid understood to be over £130m for the 52-cap Sweden international.

Isak was left out of Newcastle’s pre-season clash at Celtic on Saturday, with boss Howe admitting he wanted to remove him from ‘scrutiny’ over speculation he may leave the club.

4

4

The Toon manager later revealed that his star striker would be part of his side’s tour of Asia; however, that has not proved to be the case.

Why was Isak left out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour?

Newcastle confirmed on Thursday morning that Isak has been omitted from their travelling squad due to ‘a minor thigh injury’.

The former Real Sociedad frontman trained with his Newcastle teammates during a pre-season camp in Austria earlier this month.

However, footage surfaced of the striker apparently undergoing individual sessions away from the main group on Tuesday.

The images were made public on the same day talkSPORT reported that Isak had hit Newcastle with a blockbuster wage demand of £300,000 a week.

4

Reacting to that news, Simon Jordan said: “There is a part of me that understands that he signed a long-term contract and they don’t have to do anything of the sort.

“I think that he is worth, to Newcastle, whatever they’re prepared to pay, and there is a certain limitation to that because it isn’t just what you do for Isak; It’s what you then have to do to others as a result.”

“Besides bad form and being a bad actor, he has no leverage,” Jordan added.

Isak enjoyed his best goalscoring return ever last term, registering 23 goals in 34 league fixtures last term.

His impressive goal haul helped the Magpies finish fifth and secure a Champions League berth for the 2025/26 campaign.

He also played a starring role in helping Newcastle end their 70-year wait for a trophy as they beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in March.

In total, Isak has netted an impressive 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle since his arrival from Real Sociedad.

Visit talkSPORT BET for all the latest summer transfer betting odds

^{18+ gambleaware.org}