Liverpool transfer target Alexander Isak was missing from Newcastle United's matchday squad against Celtic on Saturday as the Magpies continue their preseason plans.

Eddie Howe's side began its summer friendlies with a clash against Carlisle United last Saturday, and after training in Austria this week, Newcastle returned to the UK for Saturday's clash at Celtic Park.

All eyes were naturally on Isak given the speculation surrounding his future in recent days.

Meanwhile, several reports on Friday claimed Isak is open to the possibility of joining Al-Hilal, who ironically is owned by Newcastle's majority shareholders, the Saudi Arabia Private Investment Fund.

The Liverpool Roundup – Offer made for Ekitike, Reds approach Newcastle for Isak, Diogo Jota remembered in Preston friendly and more	Liverpool could hijack move for Newcastle transfer target after making Alexander Isak approach	Liverpool rock Newcastle with £65m approach as Alexander Isak future uncertain

Given the speculation and intrigue surrounding his future, there was surprise to see Isak had been left out of the matchday squad on Saturday, but Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie claimed via X that both for both he and Joelinton, "their minutes are being managed this early in pre-season".

The Newcastle team does contain several big names, with Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimarares starting, and Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Athony Elanga on the bench.



Newcastle faces Celtic on Saturday afternoon at Celtic Park

The north-east side faces Liverpool in its first home game of the season, on August 25.

In the meantime, Newcastle has been linked with a move for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, with a deal for Ekitike seemingly blown out of the water by the Reds.



Isak's future at Newcastle remains uncertain

Reports have indicated the Liverpool will return with a bid for the player if the approach for Ekitike collapses.

He is widely considered the best striker on the market this summer, although Newcastle has repeatedly insisted it has no plans to sell the 25-year-old, who netted 27 goals last season, including two against Liverpool.

A move for Isak would likely indicate a departure for Darwin Nunez
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