Alexander Isak transfer saga takes shock new twist as 'pact broken' in new development

The transfer saga involving Alexander Isak has received another layer after Newcastle learned that the door is "closed" for one of their potential replacements.

Isak, scorer of 27 goals for the Magpies last season, has informed the club that he wishes the explore his options for a move away from Tyneside this summer.

The Swede has not travelled to Singapore as part of the club's pre-season tour, with the club a small thigh issue as the reason.

Isak is understood to have turned down offers from Saudi Arabia as playing Europe is his priority, with Liverpool said to be the only club in "concrete" talks over the former Real Sociedad striker.

Eddie Howe commented on the situation and said he would "love" for Isak to "continue his journey" after 62 goals and a goal in their record-breaking Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool last season.

Alexander Isak wants out at Newcastle. Image: Getty

Although adamant their prized asset is not for sale, Newcastle have identified possible targets to replace their talisman but have been left frustrated in their pursuit of one player.

The Magpies had a bid knocked back for Brentford striker Yoann Wissa, who wishes to follow strike partner Bryan Mbeumo and captain Christian Norgaard out the exit door following Thomas Frank's departure.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Brentford have "closed the door" on a departure for the DR Congo international despite Newcastle raising their bid and offering the Champions League football he is desperate for.

However, disappointed Wissa is reportedly refusing to train and believes the Bees have "broken a pact" in not allowing him to leave for a fee of £26 million.

As per Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Wissa wants the move and has told his employers he will not play again for them.

Newcastle have been frustrated in their pursuit of Yoane Wissa. Image: Getty

"He has gone back to London," Brentford manager Keith Andrews told the club's media team regarding Wissa leaving the pre-season camp in Portugal.

"It was his decision, obviously because of speculation.

"There are clubs interested and he felt it was the right thing to go back to London. It's simple really, he folds back into the group next week when we come back to training."

Newcastle's alternative striker targets

Spurs and Forest are also believed to be in the race for Wissa, who notched 19 goals in an impressive season last term.

Newcastle are also looking at RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko amid the uncertainty of whether Isak will be leading the line next season, while the Daily Mail say Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson has emerged as a surprise target.

Having missed out on Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and James Trafford, Newcastle's only addition so far this summer has been the £55 million capture of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.

Contract talks with Isak have stalled and it's claimed his representatives believe his talents are worth £300,000-a-week - a wage demand that might be difficult to match.