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In an attempt to sway the situation, Isak is said to be refusing to play for the Magpies, a tough stance reminiscent of his Real Sociedad days.

When he transferred there from Borussia Dortmund, Isak was adamant about not returning to the Westfalenstadion, despite the Bundesliga club having a buy-back option.

Speculation about a move back to Dortmund was rife that summer, but Isak stood firm: he had no plans to return.

This year, Newcastle have encountered the same stubborn determination, with the 25-year-old not just making his stance clear but also taking drastic measures to push for a transfer.

Following Liverpool's initial £110m offer for the Swedish striker being turned down earlier in the transfer window, it emerged that Isak is refusing to play for the club and is threatening to continue this boycott even if a transfer doesn't go ahead.

Consequently, he has been training alone and was notably absent from the Magpies' Premier League opener against Aston Villa last weekend.

He was also left out of the club's pre-season tour of Asia.

Liverpool are still in the hunt for Isak, but hopes of a transfer are dwindling(Image: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

On Tuesday, he took things up a notch by releasing a blistering statement on Instagram, announcing that his time with Newcastle "cannot continue." However, the club has responded with equal tenacity.

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Shortly after, Newcastle released a strong counter-statement, reiterating their position that Isak is not for sale and affirming that he will be welcomed back into the team once he ends his self-imposed exile.

Liverpool have signalled they won't make another bid unless Newcastle relax their demands, casting a veil of uncertainty over the entire affair.

Isak, having seemingly alienated both his club and its supporters, is anticipated to continue agitating for a transfer to Anfield.

However, with Newcastle resolute and refusing to be coerced into a bargain sale, the likelihood of a deal being finalised appears to be dwindling.

Throughout his career, Isak has seldom been one to shy away from a challenge.
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