Alexander Isak transfer saga takes ugly turn as Newcastle and Liverpool hear decision days before season begins

The transfer saga involving Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Liverpool has taken a fresh twist on the eve of the new Premier League season.

Isak has been persistently linked with Liverpool through much of the summer.

Officially, Liverpool have seen one bid rejected for the Sweden international, believed to be worth £110 million, earlier this month.

That is below the asking price of £150 million set by Newcastle, who have thus far been steadfast in their refusal to sell him.

Isak missed the Magpies' pre-season tour of Newcastle and trained alone at former club Real Sociedad, with manager Eddie Howe stating upon his return that he 'cannot involve' the striker in his plans.

As a result, a new update has emerged that could blow the whole saga wide open.

According to the Daily Mail's Craig Hope, Isak has gone 'on strike' in an attempt to force a move to Anfield, and will not feature in Newcastle's opening Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa on Saturday.

It is claimed that the Magpies' preferred option is for Isak to stay at the club and sign a new contract, though Hope adds that the club haven't disregarded the potential 'gamble' of hoping Isak decides to reintegrate into the squad after September 1 if he isn't sold.

The 25-year-old's contract at St James' Park expires in the summer of 2028 and contains no release clause, meaning Newcastle do not have to sell him even if he refuses to play.

The Magpies released their list of squad numbers this week, with Isak retaining the number 14 shirt worn by his idol Thierry Henry at Arsenal.

In the Swede's absence, Newcastle only have one natural striker - William Osula - available to play for them against Villa this weekend.

However, it appears more likely that either Anthony Gordon or new signing Anthony Elanga will lead the line.

Elanga is a winger or attacking midfielder by trade but occasionally lined up as a centre forward at Manchester United before making the move to Nottingham Forest, where he departed this summer.

Gordon, meanwhile, has played up front for Newcastle in competitive matches before and deputised for Isak throughout pre-season.