‘His heart is set on Liverpool’ – Alexander Isak ‘upsets Newcastle dressing room’
Alexander Isak will only remain at Newcastle United beyond the summer transfer window if he signs a new contract – but his conduct is causing ructions in the dressing room.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson explained that Newcastle are in a difficult position as even if he does stay, they will have an unhappy player in the dressing room.
As a result, questions will be asked about the 25-year-old’s performance levels and attitude should he not get his desired move away.
The striker has been attempting to force through an agreement after Football Insider revealed in July that Liverpool were trying to unsettle Isak.
However, Robinson explained that he could commit his future to the club in a surprise U-turn to shut down any speculation about where his head lies.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in March that Newcastle want Isak to sign a new contract and are doing everything they can to agree terms.
Alexander Isak could remain at Newcastle after Liverpool latest
This article contains exclusive comment from Paul Robinson, a football pundit and former England, Tottenham and Leeds goalkeeper.
Robinson told Football Insider on 8 August that Liverpool have reached an agreement with Isak “weeks ago” on the terms of his contract.
However, they have so far been unable to agree a fee with Newcastle, whose stance remains that the striker will not be allowed to leave despite his desire to.
Robinson explained that a lot of discussions are being held about the striker’s future behind the scenes and it may be better for all parties if he is allowed to leave.
“There’s a chance, there’s a small chance he could stay at Newcastle,” he told Football Insider.
“But when you weigh everything up, when you’ve been in the game and you know how transfers work, you look at it, it was just a case of Diaz and Nunez going.
“The funds are there for Liverpool, and the wages aren’t going to be a problem.
“Could Isak stay at Newcastle? They would be keeping one unhappy, grumpy player if he does.
“I think there will be a lot of discussions going on behind the scenes.
“It’s very difficult when you’ve got a player like that in the dressing room, with his heart set on moving.
“If the move falls through do you still get the same performance levels?
“When it’s gone this far down the line, it’s probably better for everybody if he does move, unless he’s going to turn around a commit his future.
“The only way he stays at Newcastle is if he signs a new deal and commits his future.”
Chelsea make Nicolas Jackson decision amid Magpies interest
With speculation about Isak’s future ongoing, the Magpies have set their sights on potential replacements in the transfer market, including Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson.
Football Insider revealed on 9 August that Newcastle are weighing up an offer for Jackson after Enzo Maresca gave the green light for him to leave Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have slapped an initial £80million asking price on Jackson, however, sparking doubts about whether Newcastle will be prepared to match that fee.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Man United walked away from signing Jackson after learning of his lofty price tag.
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