Alexander Isak’s future has become the defining storyline of this transfer window and it could overshadow the football when Liverpool travel up north to face Newcastle United on Monday, August 25. The Swedish striker has pushed to leave St James’ Park, while both clubs stand at a standoff over a fee and suitable replacement.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe remains hopeful Alexander Isak can be reintegrated to the squad despite the disgruntled striker saying his relationship with the club cannot continue in an explosive midweek post on social media.

Eddie Howe concedes that Newcastle face a “lose-lose situation to a degree” regardless of what happens with the striker this summer.

Newcastle United's wantaway striker Alexander Isak will not be in the squad when they host Premier League champions Liverpool on Monday, said boss Eddie Howe, who called the tense standoff a "lose-lose" situation.

Alexander Isak has been warned by Wayne Rooney that Newcastle's squad "wouldn't want him back" following his relentless campaign to engineer his departure and seal a switch to Liverpool. The Sweden international has spent the majority of the summer attempting to orchestrate his escape from St James' Park,

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has reiterated his belief that Alexander Isak can still play for the club again as he insisted the saga surrounding a possible transfer to Liverpool is approaching its end.

Alexander Isak's desire to secure a blockbuster move to Liverpool has hit a snag, and Newcastle legend Alan Shearer thinks the Swedish striker's agent could be to blame

Transfer news LIVE!The summer transfer window has entered its final stretch with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United among the clubs looking to get some big deals over the line. The Gunners are closing in on the signing of Eberechi Eze following a huge twist earlier in the week.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says the Alexander Isak transfer saga is "coming to an end" amid his efforts to join Liverpool.

Newcastle United are set to host Liverpool in the Premier League on Monday, and the fixture has added spice due to the ongoing Alexander Isak transfer saga.

In a twist to the saga, Liverpool are the visitors to St James’ Park on Monday, and Howe said on Friday that Isak would not be involved. If so, he would miss a second straight game after the 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the league.

A versatile forward who can play up front, off the striker or even out wide, Alvarez could make a difference for Liverpool in a number of roles. Atletico signed Alvarez last summer, paying up to £82million to sign the forward from Argentina, as reported by Sky Sports.