Alexander Isak NOT on Newcastle pre-season tour as Liverpool transfer target stays home
It comes just days after Newcastle boss Eddie Howe sent the striker home because of the 'speculation' surrounding his future. Isak had been involved in the Magpies' training camp in Austria.
Newcastle insist that the Swede isn't for sale and would demand at least £125million - a British record - if they were forced to sell. Isak was left out of Newcastle's squad as they faced Celtic in their second pre-season friendly on Saturday, as they suffered a 4-0 thrashing.
Howe's men are due to play Arsenal in Singapore at 12:30pm on Sunday. Newcastle will then play two matches in South Korea, facing the K-League All-stars and Tottenham.
But Isak won't be involved, with the club reportedly concerned over how the long-haul flight could impact the Liverpool target's injury. Isak has also been linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabian heavyweights Al-Hilal.
Following the Celtic defeat, Howe explained: "It was my decision. He travelled back to Glasgow with us but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him.
"The last thing he wanted is to be sat in the stand watching, that wasn't fair to him. But I'm confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window.
"It's difficult for me to give 100 per cent clarity on any player. Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, the team. I'm confident he'll be here at the start of the season.
"Yes, I've had discussions with him but that's not abnormal. I respect a player's career and how short it is. Alex has been really good, he's trained really well and I realise there'll be noise around him."
Isak also didn't feature when the Magpies hosted non-league side Carlisle United in a behind-closed-doors friendly prior to their visit to Austria.
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