Trippier won't rule out Isak sticking around

NEWCASTLE United defender Kieran Trippier has revealed he expects Alexander Isak to play for the Magpies again soon - and hinted he had already spoken to the star striker.

- By LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle writer

Isak's absence from the Far East trip has exploded into a frenzy of strong and intense speculation that the centre-forward will soon sign for Liverpool.

Suggestions of a bid coming in from the Reds have circulated around the Toon camp but Trippier is staying calm and feels that he could well kick off the season in a black and white shirt.

He said: "My phone is available 24/7 to Alex and Alex knows that.

"He knows I am always there. We are not panicking, Alex has got an injury, and we have to do what we have to here, focus on the games.

"We focus on the team and the players that are here. It's not just Alex; Martin Dubravka wasn't here because of a niggle.