Alexander Isak's agent has revealed a shocking update about the Newcastle United star's future amid links with Liverpool.
Throughout the summer transfer window, the future of Newcastle striker Isak has been perhaps the biggest ongoing story as several clubs try to tempt him away from St James' Park.
In recent weeks, links between the Sweden international and Liverpool have heated up, with Arne Slot reportedly viewing the 25-year-old as his dream summer signing.
But, despite Liverpool offering a world-record transfer fee believed to be in the region of £120million, it appeared that Newcastle were standing firm in their decision to hold onto their star player this summer.
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However, a new update from Isak's agent may have blown the doors for a shock move wide open.
With Newcastle making it clear that Isak would be staying this summer, Liverpool instead decided to move ahead with a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, who has reportedly joined the Reds in a deal worth up to €95m (£82.5m).
But it appears that the Isak saga may not be over yet, as Isak's representative Gonzalo Gaitan has spoken out up about the situation to Saudi Arabian newspaper Arriyadiyah, amid recent links between the striker and several Saudi Pro League sides.
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He said: "We are indeed studying and analysing all options, and we may be close to finalising the next step for the player. Without revealing any details regarding whether Isak will transfer or stay with Newcastle."
Although there are several Saudi Arabian sides said to be eager to sign Isak, it is currently believed that Al Hilal would be the most likely destination if he were to leave England this summer.
Current manager Simone Inzaghi is said to be a big fan of Isak, with Al Hilal prepared to offer a massive financial fee to convince both the club and the player to try and get a deal closed.
Although both Newcastle and Al Hilal are owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, it is not believed that this would cause any potential problems with a transfer should it move forward.
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What has Eddie Howe said about Alexander Isak's future?
Gaitan's shocking statement came just days after Newcastle boss Howe decided to send Isak back home ahead of their pre-season loss to Celtic.
Speaking to the media post-match, confirmed that he did so due to the ongoing speculation surrounding the striker's future, while admitting that he didn't see Isak leaving the club this summer.
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Howe said: "It was my decision [to leave out Isak]. I decided to send him home due to all the speculation around him.
"The last thing he wanted was to be sat in the stands watching. That wasn’t fair to him. But I am confident he will be a Newcastle United player come the end of this window.”
Howe continued: "It's difficult for me to give 100 per cent clarity on any player. Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, the team. I'm confident he'll be here at the start of the season."
Topics: Alexander Isak, Newcastle United, Liverpool, Transfer News, Saudi Pro League, Football, Premier League
Ben McCrum