Should the dressing room's willingness to welcome Alexander Isak back come as a surprise? Not only is Isak one of the best strikers in the world, the Swede still has a number of friends at the club. But it was just a few days ago that Isak stressed that "the relationship can't continue".

Liverpool are set to launch a potentially record-breaking bid for Alexander Isak as Eddie Howe grows increasingly frustrated by the speculation surrounding the Newcastle star

Alexander Isak has gone public for the first time about his discontent at Newcastle by saying the club has broken promises and that “the relationship can’t continue.”

In Eddie Howe’s words, they have kept the door “well and truly open.”

Newcastle are under pressure to sign a new striker this summer. Callum Wilson was released following the expiration of his contract, but Eddie Howe’s side were forced to start the season without a recognised centre forward after Isak began his own protest over his desired move to Liverpool.

(Reuters) -Liverpool boss Arne Slot dodged questions on Thursday about Newcastle United's Alexander Isak with the transfer window closing and the wantaway striker expected to miss Monday's game against Slot's men at St James' Park.

Explained: The Swedish striker is determined to leave St James’ Park and Fifa’s amendments to article 17 give him an exit route next summer that would potentially cost Newcastle millions of pounds