Newcastle have reportedly rejected a bid from Liverpool for striker Alexander Isak.
The 25-year-old Sweden forward has been training with his previous club Real Sociedad this week amid rumours he has asked Newcastle to consider a move.
He has been heavily linked with Liverpool, who are reported to have made a bid for the player, but Newcastle have rejected it.
None of the clubs provided comments on the matter.
Isak still has three years left on his contract at Newcastle.
He scored 23 goals in the Premier League last season, making him one of the most coveted players in world football.
Isak has missed the Magpies' current pre-season tour in Asia as he has what the club say is a minor thigh injury.
On Thursday, his former club Real Sociedad confirmed that he has been training at the Zubieta base, away from the current Real squad and with his own coaches.
The Athletic reported on Friday that Newcastle have offered Isak a new contract with a release clause for next summer but the player wants to move now.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said earlier this week: “He's still our player. He's signed for us.
“We have some control over his future. I want to believe that we still have a chance.
“I want him to stay, but it’s not only in my power.
“We have not received an official offer for Alex from any club. I want him to stay and see him on the pitch again next year.”
The European Court's ruling last year in the case of former Chelsea midfielder Lassana Diarra may also be on everyone's minds.
The court found that certain provisions of FIFA's transfer rules were in conflict with EU law and appeared to remove, or at least reduce, obstacles for players wishing to unilaterally terminate their contracts without good reason.
The World Players' Union (FIFPRO) believes the decision means that any compensation due to a player's former club if he terminates his contract without good cause will be determined not on the basis of the transfer fee or transfer fees paid, but on the residual value of his contract.
Jean-Louis Dupont, the lawyer who represented Diarra, said the ruling also removed the threat of disqualification for players who terminate their contracts, but noted that FIFA “remains resistant” on the issue.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
