Message is sent loud and clear

Newcastle have left the door open for Isak to return to the fold

- By STUART JAMIESON Regional football editor [e-mail] @sjamieson74

THERE'S only one way to deal with unwanted pressure - don’t give in to it. And similarly Newcastle United have stood up to Alexander Isak’s latest attempt to get his own way and engineer a transfer away from St James’ Park in a cool, calm and collected statement.

The Swedish striker took to social media on Tuesday night posting a message in which he spoke of promises made by the club being broken.

Newcastle responded by insisting no such commitments had been made, and reminding the Swede that he is still under contract.

We may be no closer to a resolution despite the statements from both parties, but United's stance is now crystal clear.

As for the broken promises? Well, in truth we don’t know what's been said behind closed doors and what pledges have been made. Only Isak, his representatives and the club's hierarchy know what conversations have been held in private.

We can only speculate, but it feels as though it boils down to money, pure and simple.

Promises of silverware? Newcastle won the Carabao Cup. European football? United are back in the Champions League for the second time in Isak’s three years at the club.