Alexander Isak has been told to train away from his Newcastle teammates amid intense speculation over his future, talkSPORT understands.
The Swede was the subject of a £110million offer from Premier League champions Liverpool last week, one that was rejected by the Magpies.
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Isak had missed the club’s pre-season tour due to speculation, and resumed training in Spain, using the facilities of former club Real Sociedad.
However, with Newcastle standing firm, he returned to training, only to now be told to work separately from his teammates.
It is understood to have been Eddie Howe’s decision.
Since Liverpool’s declined proposal, there have been several developments, with Howe’s team actively seeking to bolster their attack, including a £69.4 million offer for Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
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The Slovenian star, however, reportedly favors joining Premier League competitors Manchester United, which makes Newcastle less willing to part ways with Isak.
In light of Sesko’s decision, talkSPORT’s Chief Football Writer Alex Crook commented: “I believe it complicates Alexander Isak’s potential transfer to Liverpool this summer.”
“Newcastle are still in talks with Yoanne Wissa and there is growing confidence they can get that deal done.
“They do have alternative targets in Ollie Watkins and Lois Openda, and they’ve been offered Nicolas Jackson by Chelsea.
“I think if they got an Ollie Watkins or Nicolas Jackson AND Wissa, then they might be more open to Liverpool coming in with another bid.
“Now the Sesko deal has collapsed from underneath them, it makes it harder for Isak to leave.
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More cash for Liverpool?
Despite Liverpool’s insistence that they wouldn’t make another Isak bid after their initial offer was rejected, things are changing at Anfield.
The Reds are looking to cash in on Darwin Nunez, and a payday from Al Hilal could give them the necessary cash for another bid.
talkSPORT understands that the teams have reached an agreement on a deal worth around £60m, with the green light from Uruguayan now needed.
The Reds have experienced a hectic yet successful summer, setting a new British transfer record by acquiring Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £116 million.
The German’s arrival is part of several forward-line adjustments, with Luis Diaz transferring to Bayern Munich for £65 million, and Hugo Ekitike joining from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69 million.
There was also the tragic death of striker Diogo Jota.
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For Newcastle, things have been far less positive despite a first domestic trophy in 70 years and a Champions League finish last season.
Thus far, Anthony Elanga stands as the only significant first-team arrival after a £55 million agreement with Nottingham Forest, while the club has encountered multiple refusals beyond that of Sesko.
