It has been revealed why Alexander Isak missed Newcastle United's friendly against Celtic on Saturday afternoon. The 25-year-old striker was heavily linked with a move to Anfield before Liverpool turned their attention to Hugo Ekitike.

Eddie Howe admits it is not possible to 100% guarantee that Alexander Isak will still be a Newcastle player at the end of the transfer window. The Magpies’ talismanic striker has been heavily linked with a British record transfer move to Liverpool this week, while Arsenal are known to have been long-standing admirers.

It was my decision. He travelled back to Glasgow with us but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him.” The atmosphere, as Howe described, was not conducive to a player trying to focus.

Liverpool's interest in Newcastle United's Alexander Isak has brought lots of rumors suggesting the move will happen this summer. Reports from David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano suggested Liverpool is willing to pay over $140 million this summer to sign Isak.

Newcastle's Sweden international is the complete centre-forward and would make a fine squad even more formidable

Liverpool have learned a blockbuster move for Alexander Isak is still ON, thanks to Newcastle's owners, with Fabrizio Romano sharing the player's thoughts.

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak's future is still up in the air after Liverpool's latest transfer developments.

Liverpool are desperate to add a new No.9 to their squad ahead of the new season, but will have to look elsewhere now that Alexander Isak no longer seems to be an option