Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has described the situation with Alexander Isak as “complex” and “far from ideal.” Isak has made it clear that he wants to leave Newcastle this summer and was left out of the squad for their pre-season tour to Singapore and South Korea.

In this week's Blood Red column, Theo Squires weighs up the Alexander Isak transfer saga and why it might not be over yet despite Liverpool's current intention not to bid again

Liverpool have now had an official bid for Isak rejected by Newcastle. The Reds are already the top spenders so far this summer and it is expected they would have to pay a British-record fee for Isak's services.