Liverpool handed Alexander Isak transfer blow during Aston Villa vs Newcastle

Liverpool received a blow to their hopes of signing Alexander Isak during Newcastle United’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Isak, 25, was omitted from Newcastle’s squad by head coach Eddie Howe, who instead opted for Anthony Gordon as his striker at Villa Park.

Of course, this comes amid uncertainty surrounding the Sweden international’s future, after he was the subject of a £110m plus add-ons bid from Liverpool, which Newcastle rejected, several weeks back.

The 25-year-old also missed Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia and is still training away from the first team.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Howe issued an update on the situation and maintained that, despite the interest from Liverpool, Isak could still be a Newcastle player when the transfer window closes on September 1.

Howe admitted: “Yes [he could be a Newcastle player after the transfer window]. At the moment I would, but I’ve got no change of feeling throughout the summer. It’s not in my hands, but he’s contracted to us, so that’s why I say that.”

But it is still feasible that Isak does leave, and in that case, Newcastle would seek a replacement.

Alexander Isak is heavily linked with a move from Newcastle (Credit:Getty)

As reported by the Mail on Friday, the northeast club are keen on Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal forward Goncalo Ramos.

The report suggests that intermediaries have stated that a deal is possible, but the French outfit would prefer to sell Ramos rather than loan him to Newcastle.

Newcastle are working to bring two forwards in before the end of the window, with Yoane Wissa heavily linked with a move from Brentford.

However, in line with the theme of Newcastle’s transfer dealings this summer, it may not be easy to get the deal done, which, in turn, could hamper Liverpool’s hopes of signing Isak.

According to TBR, Ramos, who is contracted to PSG until the summer of 2028, is not 'overly keen' on leaving the French capital this summer.

The Portuguese would reportedly demand a salary worth around £200,000 per week, which would make him Newcastle’s highest-paid player if he were to join.

Goncalo Ramos scored against Spurs on Wednesday (Credit:Getty)

As per Capology, captain Bruno Guimaraes receives £160,000 per week.

Following PSG’s victory over Spurs in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, Ramos made it clear that he wants to remain at the Ligue 1 side.

“Yes, I’m staying,” Ramos said when asked about his future by journalists in the mixed zone.