The pressure's on Magpies as Isak future gets ugly

THOSE of a Liverpool and Newcastle United persuasion have spent much of the last month becoming increasingly entrenched in their views over the prospect of Alexander Isak moving to Anfield.

- By IAN DOYLE

But there's one aspect where they will surely be in agreement.

The situation in the North East with the Sweden international is now looking ugly.

Tuesday's latest missive in the ongoing efforts by Isak to prise himself away from the League Cup winners claims the player has no intention of playing for Newcastle ever again - even if he remains at St James’ Park beyond the September 1 transfer deadline.

With less than three weeks remaining in the transfer window, matters are in danger of becoming even more messy.

The crux is just how vehement Isak has become in his willingness to leave -and that Eddie Howe is acutely aware of this and is keeping his best player far away from his squad.