Newcastle co-owner breaks silence on Alexander Isak transfer saga as apology issued for £70m failure

Newcastle United co-owner Jamie Reuben has spoken on the club's summer transfer business amid Liverpool's interest in signing Alexander Isak and a £70m setback.

The Magpies begin their Premier League campaign this lunchtime with a trip to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa.

However, boss Eddie Howe has confirmed that Sweden international Isak will not be involved in the squad for their maiden top flight fixture of the new campaign as intense speculation about his future continues.

Isak, who still has three years left on his current deal at St James' Park, has expressed a desire to make a move away from the Magpies after his best season for the club last campaign - where he scored 27 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions.

Newcastle's Alexander Isak has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool. (Image: Getty)

Premier League champions Liverpool are keen to bring Isak to Anfield and reportedly had a bid worth £110m rejected by Newcastle at the start of August, with the Magpies seeking a higher fee for a player who is the North East's club's record signing when bought from Real Sociedad in 2022 for £63m.

Arne Slot's side began their title defence last night at Anfield with a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth thanks to goals from Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah, while Antoine Semenyo's brace in the second half had brought the Cherries on level terms.

The transfer window closes on September 1 at 7pm and it remains to be seen where Isak will be playing his football after that date.

Newcastle United co-owner Jamie Reuben. (Image: Getty)

Reuben is one of Newcastle's co-owners after a deal done in October 2021 alongside Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and PCP Capital Partners.

Taking to his personal X account, Reuben has apologised for the lack of communication during an eventful summer transfer window where Newcastle have ended up missing out on several transfer targets.

One of the most high profile of these was Benjamin Sesko who the Magpies put bids in for and could potentially have been Isak's replacement.

But Sesko had his heart set on moving to Manchester United and the Slovenian international striker instead moved to Old Trafford from RB Leipzig in a £74m overall deal.

But Reuben has teased the club's participation back in the Champions League and reassured Magpies fans the club's leadership is 'working tirelessly' to ensure a successful campaign.

Reuben said: "Ahead of a new Champions League season, I want to renew our thanks to our supporters for their unwavering commitment to @NUFC once again.

"Definitely an eventful summer and I am sorry I was not able to communicate directly more, but everyone from ownership down was working tirelessly to ensure we have the best possible season ahead. Safe travels to Villa Park and Up The Mags."