Newcastle's Isak Fuels Transfer Rumors With Absence

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been left out of the club's pre-season tour of Asia, officially due to a minor thigh injury, after scoring 27 goals last season. Intense transfer speculation surrounds Isak, with Liverpool and Saudi club Al Hilal reportedly interested, though Newcastle has stated he is not for sale and would only consider offers over £120 million. Manager Eddie Howe admitted that rumors about Isak's future partly influenced the decision to leave him out of recent matches, while highlighting Isak's positive attitude. Howe also said that a long-haul flight was not considered helpful for Isak's recovery. The striker's absence from both the Celtic friendly and the Asia tour is expected to further fuel transfer speculation. Newcastle maintains a strong desire to keep Isak as the transfer window continues.