Alexander Isak told to 'make statement to Newcastle fans' amid Liverpool transfer saga as striker continues to be linked with exit

Former Newcastle winger Chris Waddle has asked Isak to clarify his future as his transfer saga with Liverpool rumbles on. The Sweden star has been absent from the Magpies' pre-season friendlies so far this summer having been the subject of a £120 million (€137.5m/$159m) bid from the Reds, who could return with a second offer in the near future.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has admitted the uncertainty around Isak's future has been difficult for all parties to deal with and Waddle has called on the 25-year-old to release a statement to end the speculation.

According to Flashscore, who provide the best betting sites, Waddle said: "I think Newcastle obviously have gone about their business nicely at the moment. They've had a couple of additions that are good players. 

"Obviously players leave and they're moving forward, but to see Liverpool in for Alexander Isak is obviously very disappointing because we know that he's a top player. He's a very important player to the way Newcastle play and if they're going to get success they need him up front. You can see why Liverpool obviously are interested. I think they'd like to get Darwin Nunez moved on and bring a new number nine in. 

"Isak is very quiet, he never really comes out and does any interviews, never really talks about his life, his future. So for Newcastle, I'm sure the fans in particular would love him to come forward and answer a few questions. I'm sure Isak has got a lot of love for Newcastle United, but as I said, football is a short term business. Opportunities don't come around like the offer he’s got at the minute very often. 

"So yes, I'm sure he's had his head turned slightly. He doesn't seem to do any interviews and it would be nice just before the season starts to say, ‘I'm staying at Newcastle and I'm just going to play out this season, enjoy it and we'll see where it takes me from there’. I think just a simple statement would then stop all the speculation about him.”

With only two weeks to go before the new Premier League season starts, further developments over Isak's future are expected. Newcastle are thought to be lining up RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko as a potential replacement, though they are facing competition for his signature from Manchester United.