I understand what Alexander Isak is doing at Newcastle United - and it shouldn't put off Liverpool

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

It has become the transfer story of the summer, a tale that continues to spark fierce emotions.

On one side are those who believe Alexander Isak is tarnishing his reputation with his wantaway stance at Newcastle United, while on the other are a group adamant circumstances mean the striker is well within his rights to push for a transfer.

Separating fact from wanton misinformation is no easy task.



Beyond dispute, though, is Isak doesn't see his future at St James' Park with Liverpool his preferred destination.

The Reds, having had a £110million bid for the player rejected at the start of the month, are waiting for Newcastle to open the door before making a second bid.

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That may come should the Magpies be successful in recruiting some new strikers - Brentford's Yoane Wissa wants to go to the North East, with Newcastle also assessing others - but the clock is now ticking ever louder towards the September 1 transfer deadline.

Isak hasn't been part of Newcastle's pre-season preparations for the best part of a month, with reports from Tyneside suggesting the player has vowed never to play for the club again after being let down by first the initial failure to offer a new contract, and then an unwillingness to engage in his sale at a sensible value.

Appearing to go on strike isn't a particularly good look for Isak, although with Wissa seemingly doing likewise at Brentford to force through a move to Newcastle, it isn't a unique situation.

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And former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has dismissed suggestions Isak could subsequently face questions over his character should he make the move to Anfield.

"From a player's perspective I understand his actions," he says exclusively to the ECHO when speaking on behalf of NewBettingSites.uk.

I just don't think Isak has been advised properly and is simply trying his best for himself and his family and his career.

"From Liverpool's perspective, I don't think it's a negative against his character that he's acting in the way he is.

I don't see it as an issue.

"If Liverpool get him, given the quality he has got, you'd have to say that really catapults them into being elite favourites for the Premier League again."

Newcastle fans made their feelings clear on Isak with chants criticising the forward during their goalless draw at Aston Villa at the weekend.

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Murphy, though, believes the fickle nature of supporters means there is a chance the 25-year-old could be rehabilitated into the Newcastle squad should he be compelled to stay put.

"The situation is harsh on Newcastle as they have given him the platform to get to this level and loved him," he says.

But unfortunately it's very rare in football these days and is part and parcel of the evolution of the money in the game.

"I don't see there being a problem for Isak if he ends up staying at Newcastle.