Alexander Isak frustrated by Newcastle decision as ex-chief leaves sour taste

Alexander Isak was frustrated with Newcastle after he was promised talks over a new deal, only to see them shelved by now ex-sporting director Paul Mitchell came into the building.

The Swede, who is under contract until 2028, has now begun attracting interest from Liverpool as they eye a British-record move for the sensational striker, who has marked himself out as one of Europe's elite No 9s since moving to Newcastle.

The Magpies have been aware that Isak's performances merited a new deal and former co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi promised the ex-Real Sociedad striker that a new package was coming his way to reflect his importance at St James' Park.

However Mitchell, who has since left the club after a relatively brief stint, quickly put those talks on ice when he came in. That didn't sit well with Isak and his camp, reports The Sun.

Mitchell, formerly of Tottenham and Monaco, felt that Isak was already well paid on a weekly wage of £130,000 and had a long-term deal whilst he himself was trying to remain inline with the PSR regulations.

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Isak has continued to perform, scoring a career-high 27 goals last term, which included a strike in the Carabao Cup final as Newcastle downed Liverpool to claim their first piece of silverware in more than 70 years. Talks are again planned with the Swede, but Liverpool circling could prove a distraction.

Eddie Howe has already spent more than £50million to land Antony Elanga and now wants Hugo Ekitike, who is also on Liverpool's radar. The Newcastle boss has insisted that Isak is not for sale amid all the interest in him.

Frankfurt rejected a £70m bid for Ekitike from Newcastle on Tuesday and are holding out for a figure closer to the £86m they believe he is worth. Newcastle want him to play with Isak, not replace the Swede.

Isak has not yet pushed for an exit but some feel as though he may be interested in a challenge elsewhere, especially if it is with the Premier League champions. Newcastle, since their Saudi owners came aboard, have been able to retain their best players ahead of a potentially defining transfer tussle.

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