NEWCASTLE have told Alexander Isak that he will not be allowed to leave the club this summer, according to reports.
Isak has been embroiled in a transfer saga for most of the window as he tries to force through a move to Liverpool.
Newcastle United have told Alexander Isak he will not be sold this summerGetty
The Reds have already seen a £110m bid for the Swedish striker turned down by Newcastle.
Now, according to the Telegraph, Isak has been informed that he will not be sold in a show of defiance from the club’s Saudi Arabian ownership.
It is claimed that Isak has been left furious by the decision and will not be played by Eddie Howe until he is able to come to terms with the fact that he will be denied a move this summer.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) have remained steadfast in their stance that Isak isn’t for sale for the entire window.
Liverpool were understood to be aware of their strong position when they decided to lodge their £110m bid.
Manager Howe has ordered Isak to train away from the group in the midst of the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Isak returned to former club Real Sociedad to train alone earlier in the summer when he wasn’t part of Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia due to the speculation.
He has since returned to the Magpies’ training facility, but is yet to work with the rest of the group.
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Howe said on Friday that it is “clear” that he can’t involve Isak in team training at the moment.
He explained: “We’ve had discussions and it’s clear at the moment that we can’t involve him with the group.
“I don’t know how long that will be for, but that’s the latest.”
He added: “I’d want Alex to be playing today. I’d want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us.
“Let me make that absolutely clear. There’s no part of me that doesn’t want that outcome, but I don’t see the current situation changing for Aston Villa [Newcastle’s first game of the season].”
Isak still has three years remaining on his deal on Tyneside.
Newcastle chiefs have reportedly tried to offer him a new deal, with some claims suggesting it would include a release clause for next summer.
The club have been looking for a new striker of their own this summer, losing out on the signing of Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool and Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United.
It is reported that, should Newcastle bring in a new striker, they will still maintain their position that Isak is not for sale.
Newcastle are yet to discipline Isak, with it suggested that they hope to reintegrate him into the group once the smoke clears.
ReutersEddie Howe has said he can’t involve Isak in training or games at the moment[/caption]
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