Alexander Isak ruled out of Newcastle's final pre-season friendlies as striker continues to push for blockbuster Liverpool transfer

Wantaway Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak will reportedly miss his side's final pre-season games amid Liverpool transfer links.

• Isak wants Newcastle exit
• Seeks Liverpool transfer
• Ruled out of last pre-season games

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope, the 25-year-old will not play in Newcastle's final pre-season games against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid this weekend. This comes after telling the Magpies he wants to leave the club this summer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In recent days and weeks, Isak has made it abundantly clear he wants a Newcastle exit amid links with Liverpool. It would take a bid well in excess of the British transfer record – £116 million ($159m) to recruit Florian Wirtz – to sign the Sweden international, who still has three years left on his contract. As he trains away from the first-team, the Magpies will try and rectify an awful transfer window with some new additions of their own.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Mail's report adds that Isak won't be joining Liverpool until Newcastle have signed the strikers to replace him and Callum Wilson, who joined West Ham on a free transfer this summer. As a result, they are said to be considering moves for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and Brentford's Yoane Wissa.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Amid Isak's transfer limbo, Newcastle face Espanyol on Friday and Atletico Madrid a day later in the Sela Cup. They then begin their Premier League campaign away to Unai Emery's Villa on August 16.