Isak mess needs resolving, one way or another

PHEW, a second player through the door at St James’ Park. It’s been agony, like pulling teeth with a pair of pliers.

- By AARON STOKES

All right it’s a goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, and on loan at that but it’s a step forward. Now let's concentrate on the real massive, dominating, decisive problem: centre-forward.

What to do about Alexander Isak has become the most emotive game in town and the jury is split.

Some Newcastle supporters believe he should be told he’s going nowhere. He signed for another three years and he must honour that contract. End of.

Others just as passionately declare that if he doesn’t want to stay he can go and good riddance. They demand the loyalty they themselves show.

It is becoming a battle of iron wills.

A tug of war with Isak upping the ante in his determination to get his way.

First he walked out at Celtic. Then refused to go on tour to the Far East, both in the guise of an injury medical scans were unable to detect with any significance. Now it is reported in Spain that he has taken to his heels again and is working out with a personal trainer in San Sebastian.

Equally United have become stubborn, as is their right as holders of his contract, and let it be known that unless they can sign a top quality replacement Isak is going nowhere bar back to Tyneside.