Alexander Isak: Newcastle make huge announcement after striker takes action to complete Liverpool transfer | OneFootball

The striker’s future is yet to be resolved following a stunning transfer twist

Newcastle have announced their squad numbers for the new season and striker Alexander Isak will continue to wear No14 despite ongoing uncertainty over his future.

In a fresh twist regarding the ongoing transfer saga, the Athletic reported that Isak is said to be adamant he will never play for the club again amid continued interest from Liverpool.

However, when Newcastle published their squad list for the new campaign on Tuesday, Isak’s name appeared alongside the No14 shirt he has worn since his £63million switch from Real Sociedad three summers ago.

The significance of this decision remains to be seen but Newcastle have not adopted the same approach as Chelsea, for example.

The Blues have made it clear as to which senior players do not have a future at the club, even going as far to omit the likes of Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi from new squad list that was published on the club website as well as stripping Ben Chilwell of his shirt number.

Isak, the subject of a rejected £110million bid from Liverpool, has been left to train alone since withdrawing from the club's pre-season trip to Singapore and South Korea citing a thigh injury.

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe revealed at the weekend that striker was fit, but could not be considered for selection having indicated he wanted to explore his options this summer.

He said: "I think I've said many times, he is contracted to us. He's our player. The club basically make the decision on his future. I don't know what that will be.

"Of course, I have a preferred outcome on the best and strongest squad possible, but also I want players that really want to play for this football club."

The club basically make the decision on his future. I don't know what that will be.

Eddie Howe

Newcastle, who were already looking for a replacement for Callum Wilson, have taken a pragmatic approach and have made significant efforts to recruit a series of forwards.

They have missed out on Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko to Liverpool and Manchester United respectively but remain in the hunt for Brentford's Yoane Wissa.

But they will not countenance selling Isak even at the right price if they cannot plug the sizeable gap he would leave, and neither of those requirements has yet been met.

One player who has left Newcastle is Greece goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, who has joined Sevilla on a season-long loan.