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Alexander Isak during Newcastle United training session in Austria(Image: Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

It has been revealed why Alexander Isak missed Newcastle United's friendly against Celtic on Saturday afternoon.

The 25-year-old striker was heavily linked with a move to Anfield before Liverpool turned their attention to Hugo Ekitike.

According to our colleagues at the Evening Chronicle, Isak, along with Joelinton, were merely rested for the pre-season clash at Celtic Park as Eddie Howe looks to carefully manage his players' minutes.



James' Park before kick starting their Premier League season at Villa Park the following week.

Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring a goal for Newcastle United(Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

Fortunately for Howe, and rather unfortunately for Liverpool, Isak looks set to stay put this summer.

The Echo understands that the Sweden international was once regarded as a leading target for the Reds as they stepped up attempts to bolster their attacking options.

Liverpool had long been admirers of Isak following his impressive performances in the Premier League.

Despite the Reds' eagerness to wrap up a deal, the Magpies were insistent that Isak was not for sale.

While Arne Slot and Eddie Howe locked horns, Newcastle had opened bidding for Ekitike, who was another forward towards the top of the Reds' shortlist.

Liverpool could lean on Slot to get a deal over the line, having already wooed Florian Wirtz this summer.

Speaking to Der Spiegel, as quoted by BILD and talkSPORT, following the former Bayer Leverkusen star's record-breaking transfer, Wirtz' dad, Hans-Joachim, said: "Arne Slot has impressed Florian on the pitch.

Florian Wirtz.(Image: Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"He's also a very pleasant person.
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