Just because Liverpool could most likely afford Alexander Isak this summer, doesn’t mean they will sign the Newcastle star. After all, they have just recruited an exciting, young centre-forward who shares similar characteristics with the Swede, and a fee of £120–150 million could still dissuade them from pursuing a deal.

Isak is reported to have turned down the offer of a new contract at Newcastle and has not travelled with the pre-season squad after expressing an interest in leaving the club this summer. The Magpies insist his absence is due to a thigh injury.

Newcastle are exploring a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in case Alexander Isak leaves this summer - as BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel reports – but is he the man to fill the Sweden international's sizeable shoes on Tyneside?

As Newcastle United prepare for a preseason tour in Asia, where they'll face the K-League All-Stars and Tottenham, they may also need to begin to prepare for life without their star striker, Alexander Isak.

Alexander Isak was not included in Newcastle United's squad for the preseason tour of Asia amid ongoing speculation about his future with the club.

Plus: Arsenal are aiming to move swiftly to secure Crystal Palaces Eberechi Eze; Man Utd have had a loan bid rejected for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez; West Hams Lucas Paqueta is set to be cleared of charges of spot-fixing;

Manchester United have chosen not to sign Alexander Isak and that is their call, but one player has dropped a ‘bombshell’ with their decision to ‘QUIT’. United front ‘Manchester United have ruled out a move for Alexander Isak – despite the striker’s desire to leave Newcastle’ – David McDonnell, Daily Mirror.

Alexander Isak has donned the No 14 at Newcastle and is considering a move away but that number is occupied at Liverpool - unless the pieces fall into place for it to become vacant