BREAKING: Alexander Isak tells Newcastle he wants to explore transfer as Liverpool on red alert

Alexander Isak has told Newcastle that he wants to explore a move away in a bombshell development. Isak, 25, has put Liverpool on red alert after they made an approach to sign him last week.

The Premier League champions were told by Newcastle that the striker wasn't for sale and Liverpool turned their focus to fellow striker Hugo Ekitike. On Wednesday, Liverpool announced the signing of 23-year-old Ekitike after agreeing a £79million deal with Eintracht Frankfurt.

It then emerged that Isak hadn't travelled with Newcastle's squad for their pre-season tour of Asia. Local reports claimed that the Swede was nursing a hamstring injury and medical staff were concerned about the long-haul flight as well as the prospect of three games in 12 days.

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Now the Mail report that Isak has informed Newcastle that he wishes to consider his options and doesn't want to commit to signing a new contract. Eddie Howe also revealed following Saturday's friendly with Celtic that he'd sent Isak home because of the 'speculation' over his future.

If Newcastle were forced to sell, they'd demand a £125m fee - a new British record. Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal have also been linked with a money-spinning move.

There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.

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