Alexander Isak admitted he'd turn down Newcastle offer as Liverpool target gets confirmation

Alexander Isak once said he would turn down the offer to become Newcastle United's new No. 9 if he was offered the honour. This summer, Isak has gone from being Newcastle's most exciting and loved striker since Alan Shearer to public enemy No. 1 at St. James' Park.

The Swede has been desperate to move to Liverpool, who have already had a bid worth £110million knocked back by the Toon. Isak, 25, has been training separately from the rest of Eddie Howe's squad.

It's also understood the ex-Real Sociedad man has informed the club he does not intend on playing for them again. It's a far cry from a few months ago, where many in the Newcastle faithful wanted to grant him Shearer's iconic number.

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During an appearance on the podcast in February, Isak was asked whether he would consider taking the famous No. 9 shirt for the Magpies. After briefly considering his thoughts, the striker, who was this week confirmed as Newcastle's No. 14 for this season despite the No. 9 being left vacant by the outgoing Callum Wilson, revealed he would likely reject such an offer.

Isak said: "I would probably stay as 14 to be honest. I know [the No. 9 is iconic]. I think it's a difficult one because I've been successful with 14, and it would probably not be an easy decision. I understand [the desire to wear the No. 9 shirt] but we’ll see.”

When asked about his affection for his current number, he added: "I wouldn’t say it’s just one player, but 14 is an iconic number. There have been great players who have played with that number. [David] Ginola, Thierry Henry, and I had 14 when I signed for Dortmund as well, so there’s some history there.”

It's understood Liverpool are not planning on making a second bid for Isak, who is understood to be valued at around £150m by Newcastle. The Merseysiders are seemingly carrying out a wait and see approach to see what happens between the forward and the club.

According to The Athletic, Isak has no plans to re-integrate himself with the rest of the squad, let alone pull on the black and white jersey again. It's also been claimed he will maintain his position, even if he does not agree a move to Anfield by the time the transfer window shuts on September 1.

Howe has also stated he will not include Isak in his plans while the current situation is ongoing. After he watched his side draw 2-2 with Espanyol in a friendly last Friday, the ex-Bournemouth manager said: "We've had discussions.

"It's clear at the moment that we can't involve him with the group. I don't know how long that will be for, but that's the latest."

Looking ahead to Newcastle's Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon, Howe added: "I'd want Alex to be playing today. I'd want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us.

"Let me make that absolutely clear. There's no part of me that doesn't want that outcome, but I don't see the current situation changing for Aston Villa."

Newcastle's efforts to replace him have also been in vain. Manchester United recently pipped them to the signing of Benjamin Sesko, while attempts to sign the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have also failed this summer.

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