Alexander Isak wants to leave Newcastle United and has resisted tentative attempts to tie him down to a new contract.
Isak was left out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia on Tuesday, with the club citing a thigh injury as the reason for his omission.
But it is understood that the Sweden international is unsettled and favours exploring a move away from Newcastle amid interest from Liverpool and what his representatives believe are life-altering sums that might be available in Saudi Arabia.
Newcastle’s stance remains that he is not for sale – a message that has been reiterated on Thursday – and that they are not countenancing his departure this summer.
But Isak’s unhappiness is a major test of that.
Realistically, they have a huge decision to make on his future, with Isak’s valuation believed to be around the £130m mark.
Initial talks with Isak’s representatives have not borne any significant progress on a new long-term deal and while the club still want to tie him to a new contract, there is a recognition that those conversations are on the back burner.
Liverpool’s interest remains despite signing Hugo Ekitike earlier this week and The i Paper has been told that they have enough financial wiggle room to add Isak to their forward line, although there has not been an official bid yet.
The Reds also anticipate further sales this summer.
Isak could earn many, many multiples over his current wage if he opted to go to Saudi Arabia, but it is understood that he wants to stay in a top league.
Newcastle believe they can keep him – and Eddie Howe has handled the situation sensitively in the hope of persuading him to stay.
But the Magpies have been monitoring top level strikers all summer and The i Paper understands that RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is a possible alternative if Isak is allowed to leave.
The Magpies are known to be long-term suitors of the Slovenian.
That would be in addition to Yoane Wissa, the Brentford forward, who is a £30m target as Callum Wilson’s replacement.
Negotiations over the DR Congo international are progressing but there remains a considerable gap between the clubs’ valuations.
Clearly, though, this is another huge disruption in an already difficult summer for Newcastle, who have missed out on a host of their top targets including Ekitike, Joao Pedro, Dean Huijsen and Bryan Mbeumo.
They are now hurtling towards a crossroads with all parties pondering the next move.
Isak may have made a strategic mistake by being so demonstrative over his future, with few realistic options and Newcastle feeling boxed into a corner.
The club’s struggles in the transfer market have only emphasised how difficult it would be to replace Isak, especially as rivals know they have money to play with.
It is also a huge test of the ambition of owners PIF at a time when the club’s executive team has vacancies for a director of football – with Ross Wilson emerging as favourite to fill that role – while chief executive Darren Eales is working a long notice period.
