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Image Credits: YouTube/Fabrizio Romano

Alexander Isak was once again absent from Newcastle United’s friendlies over the weekend as tensions surrounding his controversial summer continue to mount.

The Sweden international, heavily linked with a move to Liverpool throughout the transfer window, has been in a game of brinkmanship with the Geordie side.

His latest no-show follows a turbulent spell that began when he sat out Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia, officially due to a minor thigh problem.

The situation has been complicated by Liverpool’s persistent interest in the striker.

The Merseyside club submitted a bid worth £110 million last week, which Newcastle firmly rejected.

The Magpies have placed a £150 million valuation on their record signing, who still has three years remaining on his contract.

And it looks like the saga’s end is nowhere in sight just yet.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Italian explained that Liverpool feels that Newcastle will continue to make move in the market after signing defender Malick Thiaw – potentially a striker option:

“Liverpool are not giving up.

Liverpool have a feeling that Newcastle are very active on the market after signing Malick Thiaw.”

“It’s important to say that the feeling at Liverpool is that Newcastle are still very active on the striker’s market because they know Alexander Isak is not changing his mind,” the transfer journalist explained.

“Alexander Isak wants to go to Liverpool, he has no intention to return to a normal conversation for a new contract so Liverpool keep hoping.

They maintain their confidence in trying to make the deal happen.

“It remains a concrete opportunity; they want to see Alexander Isak as a new Liverpool.”

Romano added that Liverpool will continue to keep contact on the players side this week as they await the transfer dominoes to fall:

“It’s going to be a week where Liverpool maintains their contact active on the player’s side and Newcastle will try to find a new striker.”

“They are still looking, according to my information, for a new offensive midfielder and a striker, these two positions?

Let’s see what they’re going to do.”

Meanwhile, it’s been reported that Newcastle United have already given an ultimatum to Alexander Isak over his future at the club.

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