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Alexander Isak wants to join Liverpool but Newcastle United are so far refusing to sell(Image: Michael Driver | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

According to Liverpool transfer target Alexander Isak, a "change is in the best interests of everyone" when it comes to his association with Newcastle United.

That was one of the salient points of the Sweden striker's social media message on Tuesday night when he spoke publicly for the first time since he refused to fly out on the pre-season tour of the Far East with the Magpies last month.

Premier League champions Liverpool had a £110m offer rejected by Newcastle at the beginning of the month and, having been blindsided by his Instagram message on Tuesday night, the North East club hurried out their own statement, essentially suggesting it is now unlikely he will be sold.

The Reds, for their part, will return to the table if given encouragement, but that is almost certain not to happen before Monday night's showdown between the teams at St James' Park.

READ MORE:If I was Alexander Isak I would sack my agent - I'm not convinced Liverpool need £150m transferREAD MORE:Liverpool and Alexander Isak transfer stance as Newcastle respond to statement - 'We've been clear'

Ahead of that game, the ECHO's dedicated Liverpool writers Ian Doyle and Paul Gorst have their say and give their verdict over what might happen next.

The end of an increasingly tawdry saga is now in sight, but what the final chapter of Alexander Isak's summer-long pursuit of the Newcastle United exit door actually is remains unclear.

What do we know so far is that Isak has refused to fly out on tour of the Far East with his colleagues citing a minor thigh issue; he has not played in any pre-season friendly as a result; and he has been training alone, ostracized from the pack while the speculation has dragged on.

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In fairness to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, who has been subjected to an avalanche of Isak-related questions from journalists this summer, he has handled the situation with diplomacy and professionalism.

The Magpies manager has been delicate with his messaging and been careful not to close the door on his star striker nor alienate the fans who have become fatigued by the behaviour of their wantaway frontman.

Quite who is calling the shots above him at this stage, though, remains something of a mystery for those who don't cover the club every day.

With no sporting director in place, the lack of Saudi boots on the ground, as it were, in the North East of England suggests something of a power vacuum and that key decisions are being made in the Middle East, far away from the noise of this issue day to day.

The Newcastle owners - the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia - have reportedly make it clear they won't sanction the sale of Isak but that stance is taken in the hope that Howe and his team can use their powers of persuasion to eventually talk the Swede off the ledge, once the window has closed.

Certainly the September 1 transfer deadline will test Isak's theory that he will never play for the club again.

A fascinating fortnight awaits.

Hands up if you are now supremely bored with the Alexander Isak situation at Newcastle United?

And if it isn't this summer, his value is only going to decrease for a myriad of reasons.

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And a pertinent point would be that if Isak is truly valued as a £150m player, then why haven't Newcastle already ensured his wage reflects such a stature?

The recent contract offers smack very much of coming after the horse has bolted.

This situation was never going to be resolved before Liverpool's visit to Newcastle on Monday - and how all the portents point to a home win on what is likely to be volatile evening - and could well go all the way down to the final hours before the September 1 deadline.

Those of a cynical, world-weary nature who have seen this all before will expect Isak to move to Liverpool.
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