Alexander Isak: Newcastle's instant response to bombshell Liverpool statement

Newcastle United have slammed the ‘disappointing’ statement from Alexander Isak - who they remain determined to keep hold of. The Swedish striker has been keen to leave the club this summer amid huge interest from Liverpool.

He did not join the club on their pre-season tour or trained away from his teammates ahead of the new campaign, while the Reds have had a bid in excess of £100m turned down. And Isak cranked up his efforts to quit St James’ Park on Tuesday, citing ‘broken promises’ from the Newcastle hierarchy in an explosive statement.

And now the Magpies have hit back at the forward’s actions and claimed that they would not be obliged to sell him should their demands not be met by Liverpool - or any other interested club.

A statement from Newcastle on Tuesday read: “We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening. We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.

“We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views. As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired.

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“We do not foresee those conditions being met. This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.”

Isak opted not to attend the glitzy PFA awards on Tuesday amid the ongoing transfer furore, despite having been named in the team of the year for last season. Instead, he publicly broke his silence on his future for the first time.

Where will Alexander Isak be when the transfer window closes? Share your thoughts in the comments below

“I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken," he wrote on Instagram. "That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors. The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time.

"To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.”

Isak still has three years left to run on his contract with Newcastle. Eddie Howe's side are already searching for his replacement, with Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen having been identified as a potential successor.

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