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Search Alexander Isak has returned to Newcastle after a trip to Spain as the Swede looks to force through a move to Liverpool this summer.

Alexander Isak wants to join Liverpool this summer (Image: PA Media)

Alexander Isak is facing crunch talks with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe after returning to Tyneside.

Newcastle have consistently maintained they have no plans to offload their star striker – who they rate at around £150m – this summer.

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However, his suggestion that he wished to consider the prospect of departing St James' Park, where he still has three years left on his deal, has forced the issue.

Manager Howe, who is desperate to retain a player who has been instrumental in the club's recent resurgence, has remained measured about the situation publicly but he is unlikely to welcome any disruption to the team spirit he has worked to cultivate during his tenure.

Indeed, addressing reporters before departing Seoul following Sunday's 1-1 friendly stalemate with Tottenham, he declared: "You have to earn the right to train with us.

"We are Newcastle United.

So that is also at play here.

Alexander Isak is set for talks with Eddie Howe (John Walton/PA) (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

"We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group.

No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal."

It has been a challenging summer for Newcastle, who have brought in Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga and Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale – on loan – whilst losing midfielder Sean Longstaff and striker Callum Wilson.

Yet they have also watched targets Dean Huijsen, Bryan Mbeumo, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, James Trafford and Liam Delap secure moves elsewhere.

Another striker remained essential even before Liverpool's pursuit of Isak, with inexperienced 22 year old Will Osula presently the sole alternative to the Swede.

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The Magpies have submitted an offer for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko – also coveted by Manchester United – and continue talks with the Bundesliga outfit whilst maintaining their pursuit of Brentford's Yoane Wissa.

The outcome of that pursuit could prove crucial in determining Isak's future, though the financial muscle of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, the controlling shareholder at St James', and the player's contract situation would enable them to stand firm should they wish to do so.

However, the profitability and sustainability problems that have plagued Newcastle in recent seasons could be significantly alleviated by a substantial cash influx, potentially leaving the club with a tough decision to make.

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