Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

Newcastle United are reportedly willing to keep Alexander Isak on the sidelines indefinitely rather than engage in the possibility of him joining Liverpool this summer.

The Reds have made Isak their chief striker target and saw a £110million bid for the player emphatically turned down by the Magpies earlier this month.

Liverpool will not made a second offer unless Newcastle change their stance over not selling the player, which has remained steadfast since Isak first informed the club of his desire to leave earlier in the summer.

And now the Telegraph has claimed Newcastle's Saudi Arabia owners have told Isak he will not be allowed to join Liverpool for any price during the current transfer window despite having previously valued the player at nearer to £150m.

READ MORE:Arne Slot explains what is being ignored about Liverpool transfers - 'We do both' READ MORE:Darwin Nunez deal poses transfer question Liverpool must now address once again

It is also suggested Newcastle will maintain that viewpoint even if they are successful in signing one or more forwards this summer.

They have targeted Brentford's Yoane Wissa but have missed out on RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, who has opted to join Manchester United instead.

The report is in contrast to comments from Eddie Howe made on Friday evening after Newcastle's 2-2 friendly draw with Espanyol at St James' Park, when he was asked if the club could force Isak to stay.

Article continues below

"It’s not that straightforward, otherwise we would have done that a long time ago," said Howe.

"I don’t think we’re in a position to be able to do that currently."

With Isak presently banished from Newcastle's first-team squad, there would now seem the prospect of the Sweden international remaining out of action for a lengthy period with the transfer window not closing until September 1.

Howe has already stated he doesn't expect the player to be reintegrated into the squad before next Saturday's Premier League opener against Aston Villa, with Isak also not likely to feature in Newcastle's first home game of the season the following week - against Liverpool.

Article continues below

It is claimed Newcastle are not happy with the behaviour of Isak, his representatives or Liverpool over the transfer pursuit, and that player won't be selected for the Magpies again until he accepts the decision not to sell him to the Reds.

That would leave Newcastle running the risk of being without their most prized asset and last season's leading scorer for an indefinite period.

Liverpool remain keen on Isak but for now are maintaining a watching brief as the situation at Newcastle becomes increasingly ugly with no immediate end in sight.


For more news relating to Manchester United, visit our sister site MUFC Live.