The body of evidence that showed Isak's frame of mind

IF timing is supposed to be everything, then I would suggest both Newcastle United and their prize asset Alexander Isak appear to have got it terribly wrong.

- JOHNGIBSON

United's top gun has without saying a word made it obvious that he is up for leaving, United, meanwhile, have consistently shown relentless determination to hang on to their crown jewel.

The man in the middle of the storm has forced things by effectively refusing to play at Glasgow Celtic or go on United's Far East tour lurking beneath the guise of being injured. That speaks volumes.

However, everything has come to a head a tad on the late side. For United, Isak, and perhaps even for his most obvious suitor Liverpool.

United were too certain that Isak is so laid back he would never cause a fuss that they rested on the oars instead of paddling furiously for the safety of the shore.

A new contract with a realistic wage for a superstar was parked because United had a hold on him anyway with three years left on his current deal. Risky? Suicidal more like... Isak felt insulted, unwanted, and out of pocket.

However, if Isak wished to go he ought to have fronted up before the season was almost upon us. Before his natural successor in United's eyes Hugo Ekitike had gone elsewhere leaving Newcastle threadbare and perhaps at this late stage contemplating being ultra stubborn and holding Isak to his current deal. Before, too, Ekitike signed for Liverpool to solve their centre-forward problem. Ekitike to Newcastle and Isak to Liverpool might have been a fit but now everything is lopsided.

It's too late certainly for Isak's other long-term admirer Arsenal, who have now committed themselves to the signature of Viktor Gyokeres.