Alexander Isak has told Newcastle he wants to leave, but the club's chairman is set to make the final decision on his future amid ongoing links with Liverpool

Howe’s side have lost Callum Wilson, who turned down a new contract, and Sean Longstaff to Leeds United in a deal £15m. Indeed, United’s squad is weaker in numbers, with Anthony Elanga the only new recruit so far after joining from Nottingham Forest £55million.

Alexander Isak's bombshell news at St James' Park has dragged Newcastle United's owners into the situation this summer.

Newcastle United’s stance on Alexander Isak remains firm — the striker is not for sale. However, the ultimate decision over his future will lie in the hands of chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), in a saga that has begun to ripple through the club just as they embark on their pre-season tour of the Far East.

The Reds have already invested £260m on additions this summer and recently landed Hugo Ekitike, but Isak has been deemed a dream signing for the Premier League champions and it would be difficult for them (and others) to pass up the opportunity to sign him if a deal became possible.

Now that there is a real possibility of Newcastle losing Isak, the Magpies have started their search for a replacement and have identified Benjamin Sesko as their top transfer prospect in the role, according to The Athletic.

Newcastle duo Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn say they hope “top striker” Alexander Isak will remain at the club. Isak wants to explore his options this summer, with Liverpool among those interested in signing the Sweden international.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has reportedly been communicating his views on Alexander Isak behind the scenes at St James' Park.