Owen insists Magpies could stick with Isak

NEWCASTLE United are determined not to be bullied over the Alexander Isak transfer saga.

- By ROSS GREGORY

The Magpies face a tricky situation with their wantaway striker. Isak has informed the club that he wishes to explore a potential move to Liverpool, and missed the preseason tour of the Far East.

While a minor thigh injury was used as a reason behind Isak not travelling, the transfer situation was clearly the main issue. Isak subsequently travelled to Spain and trained on his own at his former club Real Sociedad.

A bid from Liverpool of around £110million was rejected out of hand by Newcastle who have remained firm all summer in their stance that the player is not for sale. Whether that remains the case should they sign another couple of strikers is questionable, but so far bids for Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Yoane Wissa, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have all failed.