Alexander Isak believed £100m-plus bid would secure Newcastle exit
Alexander Isak may have been given the impression that a departure from Newcastle United would have been much simpler this summer.
The Magpies have already turned down a £110million offer from Arne Slot's Liverpool, and with no end in sight to the drama, the striker is unlikely to return to the squad anytime soon.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Matt Le Tissier believes that Isak's future lies at Anfield, but that will only be possible if the Reds improve upon their opening bid before the 1 September deadline.
Brentford face a similar situation over Yoane Wissa, who is attempting to force through a move to St James' Park, and his arrival could help sweeten the deal for Isak's move to Liverpool.
The transfer saga looks set to continue until the end of the summer transfer window; however, the Sweden international will feel his actions are completely justified at St James' Park.
Newcastle United's 'broken promises' infuriate Alexander Isak
According to the Daily Mail (21 August), a story is circulating in "well-placed circles" unconnected to either club that Isak was under the impression a bid of £100m or more would see his release from St James' Park this summer.
Isak has previously spoken out about "broken promises" by his current club, and with the Magpies playing hardball over his departure, it would explain why the player has chosen to disown the squad.
It is now believed that the Newcastle players would not welcome the striker back, despite Eddie Howe missing a natural centre-forward, with just days of the summer transfer window remaining.
Eddie Howe's attacking options take a hit at St James' Park
Football Insider verdict
With Isak absent, the Magpies lined up with Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga, and Harvey Barnes, and were unable to break the deadlock against Aston Villa on the opening day of the Premier League season.
Gordon is capable of deputising at centre-forward for Newcastle, having played in the position previously, but he should not be seen as a long-term solution at the striker position.
Howe has missed out on the likes of Joao Pedro, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Liam Delap, and Mohammed Kudus, leading to a very frustrated fanbase.
However, with the transfer saga still ongoing in the North East, there needs to be a solution, as leaving Isak to rot in the reserves would be a huge waste of everyone's time this summer.
It has been made abundantly clear that the Swede wants to join up with Slot's side, but unless the Reds are willing to meet the Magpies' valuation, it is impossible to see light at the end of the tunnel.