Paul Merson says Alexander Isak could have left Newcastle a hero this summer but his actions in trying to force a move to Liverpool have tainted a legacy that saw him play a key part in winning the Carabao Cup last season and ending the club's 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.

Newcastle have endured a hugely-frustrating summer, missing out on a host of transfer targets while having to cope without Isak.

The striker is training away from the first team and will miss the weekend's Premier League opener at Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime after telling the club he wants to explore his options elsewhere amid interest from Liverpool, who had a big-money bid rejected for the Sweden striker.

Reports now suggest Isak is adamant he will not play for Newcastle again and retains a desire to join Liverpool in a saga that has dominated, and will continue to dominate, the transfer window right up until the deadline on Monday September 1.

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Read on for the Magic Man's exclusive thoughts on all things Isak, Newcastle and Liverpool...

'Isak's taking a big chance'

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'Isak's hero status gone if he leaves'

If he leaves, he won't be leaving Newcastle as a hero.

Had he kept quiet, he still could have potentially gone for big money, giving Newcastle serious profit after giving his all to the club.

Amid rumours linking him with a move to Liverpool, take a look at our picks of the best goals from Alexander Isak's Premier League career so far with Newcastle.

It looks like Isak won't play against Aston Villa.

He probably won't play against Liverpool and then Leeds, providing Newcastle hold firm and don't sell him.

If Newcastle lose two of those games, they are up against it already this season.

It's mind-blowing how this situation is allowed to happen.

Players sign big contracts and Isak is on a good few quid.
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