Newcastle open door to Alexander Isak scenario that was considered unthinkable in Liverpool boost

Newcastle have opened the door to a previously unconsidered option over Alexander Isak's future, it has been reported.

Isak is continuing to attract interest from Liverpool with just over two weeks of the transfer window remaining.

The Sweden international is 'on strike' from St James' Park, according to the Daily Mail's Craig Hope, and wants to make the move to Anfield this summer.

It would take a British record fee to be agreed upon for Isak to leave, with Newcastle reportedly hoping for at least £150 million.

The striker has three years left on his contract, meaning a £110 million bid launched by Liverpool earlier this month was quickly rejected.

The Reds are still yet to return with a second offer, and Isak will not be available for Newcastle's opening Premier League game against Aston Villa on Saturday while the saga continues.

Isak hasn't posted to social media since May 25 - at the end of the 2024/25 season (Image: Instagram/@alex_isak)

Newcastle reporter Hope claims that there are four options available to the Magpies in deciding Isak's future - with one of those particularly pertinent.

It is said that the option, Scenario D, would see Newcastle sign a direct replacement for Isak, instead of two new strikers.

That would leave them with the new signing and Anthony Gordon, who has been operating as a striker during pre-season, as their centre forward options, alongside William Osula.

Anthony Elanga can also play as a striker if required but was almost exclusively used as a winger or attacking midfielder at Nottingham Forest before his £55 million move to Newcastle earlier this summer.

Who will Newcastle sign?

Newcastle appear to have several targets in mind for their new striker.

According to Portuguese outlet Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness), the club sent scouts to watch Porto and Spain forward Samu Aghehowa earlier this week.

They are also targeting a move for Brentford's Yoane Wissa, who has returned to first team training with the Bees after a spell of absence.

Like Isak, however, Wissa won't be involved in Brentford's opening league fixture against Nottingham Forest.

Bees head coach Keith Andrews said: "As a head coach, I want Yoane in the building, to be a part of the first team and the squad. I see that moving forwards, but I am very understanding of his situation.

"I have a very good relationship with him, and that will persist, but we have to focus on the players who are ready to play and perform on Sunday and I don't think Yoane's in that space."