Alexander Isak “wants to leave” Newcastle, according to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein.

The former BBC journalist is peerless when it comes to reliability, so Mapgies supporters are now coming to terms with the fact that their top striker is angling for a move away from St James’ Park.

A lot still needs to happen before Isak’s departure is sanctioned. His main suitor, Liverpool, have communicated that they are willing to pay £120m for the Swedish international.

However, that figure would not be an acceptable amount for the Magpies, whose stance has always been that they would not sell the forward for anything less than £150m.

Newcastle have begun a search for a replacement

Several journalists, including Ornstein, claim that Eddie Howe’s side are now putting contingency plans in place if Isak leaves.

The club’s official stance is that they are still keen to keep hold of Isak, who still has three years left on his contract, but the search for his replacement is now underway.

Hugo Ekitike would have been the ideal successor, but he has already signed for Liverpool in a deal worth an initial £69m. The Magpies are also interested in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa but the Congolese international is very much seen as a backup option for a first choice No.9.

Could Isak still move abroad?

There have been reports in the French media suggesting that Isak would be open to joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Most fans would see that move as preferable to letting the striker leave for another Premier League team.

Arsenal were linked with the 25-year-old earlier this year, but their decision to buy Viktor Gyokeres is likely to have ended their pursuit. At the moment, Liverpool are the red-hot favourites to purchase Isak.

In other news, a Newcastle United target is “open” to signing for the Magpies despite interest from 2 other Premier League teams