Newcastle star 'likes' post slamming Alexander Isak as Liverpool plot second transfer bid

Alexander Isak has made it clear he wishes to leave Newcastle for Liverpool (Picture: Getty)

Newcastle star Joelinton has made his stance clear on Alexander Isak ’s conduct after ‘liking’ a social media post criticising the ‘destructive path’ the forward has taken this summer.

Isak informed Newcastle’s hierarchy of his desire to seek opportunities elsewhere last month and the situation has turned increasingly bitter in the proceeding days and weeks.

Liverpool have emerged as Isak’s priority for the new campaign and the 25-year-old – the Magpies’ top scorer with 27 goals last term – has been training alone after opting out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia.

An impassioned post from Isak on Tuesday evening accused Newcastle of ‘breaking promises’ and holding him to ransom with just a fortnight remaining of the transfer window.

The Toon responded with an explosive statement of their own , refuting Isak’s claims while also stressing that they would be prepared to stand in the way of the Swede’s potential exit at St James’ Park.

It remains to be seen if Liverpool will return with a follow-up bid for Isak having seen an initial offer of £110million – plus add-ons – rejected out of hand by their Premier League rivals..

The latest reports suggest the English champions would be willing to break the British transfer record for a second time this summer by lodging a £130m bid for Isak before the September 1 deadline.

The Sweden striker has accused Newcastle of ‘broken promises’ (Picture: Getty)

Liverpool are reportedly considering a second bid for Isak (Picture: Getty)

(Picture: Metro/Sky Sports)

However, it’s understood Newcastle are refusing to waver from their £150m asking price and would only consider selling if they are confident they can bring in a viable replacement.

Yoane Wissa remains Newcastle’s top target up front, but Brentford turned down their initial proposal for the attacker and are believed to be holding out for a fee in excess of £50m.

It’s fair to say Isak’s conduct has left many Newcastle fans furious, with loud chants of, ‘There’s only one greedy b******’, heard in the away end at Villa Park last weekend.

And it seems Isak’s behaviour has begun to seriously frustrate and anger members of the Newcastle dressing room – that’s if Joelinton’s social media antics are anything to go by.

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With the situation threatening to descend into a farce, several eagle-eyed Newcastle fans spotted that Joelinton had ‘liked’ an Instagram post from fan page, Wor Flags, condemning Isak’s actions in recent weeks.

‘Idolised and adored. No promises broken by the fans that make this club,’ the post read.

‘We deserve better than the destructive path you’ve chosen.

‘Newcastle United will never be defeated. ‘

Joelinton ‘liked’ a post hitting out at Isak’s ‘destructive’ behaviour (Picture: Instagram/@worflags)

https://www.instagram.com/p/DNkvlReo5zE/

Despite Isak’s hardline position, Eddie Howe has repeatedly stressed that he would be prepared to welcome the attacker back into the fold as soon as he is ready to rejoin his team-mates.

‘Nothing has changed. The door is well and truly open,’ the Newcastle head coach said.

‘He has to decide what he wants to do. We would like a resolution. We need that clarity. You don’t need any kind of distraction.

‘I am not in control of that. There is one person who can control that. Let’s wait and see. I have made my stance clear. I am concentrating on the team.’

Howe is ready to reintegrate Isak back into the squad (Picture: Getty)

Asked about the chants directed at Isak from Newcastle fans, Howe replied: ‘The supporters acted really well today.

‘If afterwards, they want to say something, they are free to do that.’

Speaking after Newcastle’s goalless draw with Aston Villa, Anthony Gordon admitted the uncertainty surrounding Isak’s future had contributed to a ‘difficult’ start to the season.

‘It has been difficult because we’re a tight-knit group,’ the Newcastle winger said.

‘But you see today, we’ve still got that spirit and togetherness.

‘That will never go, regardless of individuals. We’re still together. Things like this can make you better in the end.’

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