Alexander Isak's 'meeting' with Newcastle stars and X-rated message amid Liverpool saga

The transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak has been a major talking point throughout the summer window. As deadline day looms, the Newcastle United forward continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool.

Isak made his intentions clear to Newcastle in July, expressing a desire for a new challenge, which has led to an increasingly tense situation. The Swedish striker was the target of a £110million bid from Liverpool earlier this month, but Newcastle have remained firm, stating their player is not for sale unless an acceptable offer is received. Isak has been training separately from his Magpies team-mates after refusing to play for the club again and breaking his silence with a statement alleging broken promises. This situation has become one of the most discussed stories of this transfer window, and as the market nears its close, time is ticking for a resolution to be found.

Eddie Howe's side have secured a new striker in the form of £65m signing Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart, sparking rumours that Liverpool may soon make an increased offer for Isak. Express Sport brings you all the latest updates on Isak, including a rumoured farewell at the training ground, a shirt number dilemma and some rather explicit chants aimed his way.

Alexander Isak's alleged training ground farewell

Prior to Newcastle's Saturday evening encounter with Leeds United, which concluded in a goalless stalemate, speculation emerged that Isak had bid farewell to his Magpies colleagues. Claims on Swedish television suggested that Isak remained behind on Friday to say his goodbyes to his team-mates.

Manager Howe was questioned about these allegations following the Leeds fixture, stating: "On Alex's situation I have no communication and no update, we are still actively looking to recruit but I don't know if that has any relation to Alex's situation.

"I have no knowledge of that, I can't tell you it didn't happen, but I certainly can't tell you it did. That is the first I have heard of it. I am pretty sure I would have known." When pressed on whether he had received a farewell from Isak, he replied: "No, I have had no communication."

Newcastle supporters unleash X-rated chants at Alexander Isak

Isak also found himself at the centre of another, far more distasteful discussion during the Leeds encounter. Naturally, Isak was absent from Elland Road, having effectively isolated himself as his transfer saga continues.

However, this didn't prevent the visiting Newcastle supporters from voicing their genuine sentiments about the Swedish forward. Throughout the match, expletive-laden songs could be heard from the away section directed at Isak. Supporters roared: "Isak's a c***, ole, ole."

Newcastle fans have previously expressed their discontent with Isak and his situation, as evidenced by chants of "There's only one greedy b******" following the club's opening draw against Aston Villa.

Alexander Isak's immediate shirt number blow

If a deal for Isak is finalised before Monday's transfer deadline, as suggested by The Telegraph, who report an improved £130m offer for the 25-year-old is on the way, the Swedish striker may face disappointment when it comes to shirt numbers.

Isak has a preference for the No. 14 shirt, which he currently wears at St. James' Park, but this number is already taken by Federico Chiesa at Anfield.

Despite speculation that the Italian might be leaving Liverpool this summer, it now appears he will stay, meaning Isak may need to consider other options. Another favourite is the No. 19, which Isak wore at Real Sociedad from 2019 to 2022, but this is currently worn by Harvey Elliott.

However, with Darwin Nunez's departure, the No. 9 shirt is available, making it a likely choice for the star striker should he complete a record-breaking British transfer to Anfield before the window closes.