Isak not in Newcastle pre-season tour squad

Alexander Isak has not been named in Newcastle's squad for their pre-season tour of Asia as speculation over his future continues to grow.

On Saturday manager Eddie Howe said the 25-year-old striker would "absolutely" be part of the squad for their games in Singapore and South Korea.

The Daily Mail reported, external that Isak has told Newcastle he wants to explore a move away this summer.

BBC Sport has contacted Newcastle for comment.

A source has told BBC Sport that Liverpool are still interested in signing Isak.

Newcastle have selected a 30-man group for the trip but said Isak "misses out with a minor thigh injury".

The Sweden international scored 27 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions last season.

He was also left out of Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Celtic as Newcastle began their pre-season fixtures.

This week Liverpool signed Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike for an initial £69m, a player for whom Newcastle had bid £70m.

Newcastle have maintained that Isak is not for sale and Howe said at the weekend he remains "confident" the player will be at the club at the start of the season.

"It's difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player," Howe said after the Celtic game.

"Alex is happy at Newcastle. He loves the players he plays with, the staff, the team and I've never had any issue with him."

Meanwhile, Newcastle defender Lewis Hall has not featured since February with a foot injury but has been included in the tour squad as he steps up his recovery.

Newcastle face Arsenal on Sunday in Singapore before travelling to South Korea to play a K-League All-Star team on 30 July and Tottenham on 3 August.

We asked for your views after Isak was left out of the squad. Here are some of your comments:

Gary: If these tours are all about driving commercial revenue, surely you take your star striker regardless of a minor injury?

Kevin: Concerning. I hope it is just precaution. It would be really disappointing if he does leave this summer after all the hard work last season to get into the Champions League. Lack of transfers in areas and missing out on targets isn't making me feel any more confident for the coming season either.

Martin: Until he comes out and says he wants to leave, he is injured. Full stop.

Richard: I hope I am wrong but I do not see Isak being in a Newcastle shirt next season. I think the club will sell, but the way transfers have fallen so far, I worry that we will not be able to recruit to the level we need.

Bob: Is "thigh injury" just an excuse and he is on his way out? Be honest - the fans deserve it. If we go into the season with one striker who is not proven we have got no chance.

Kevin F: Isak had thigh problems end of last season so this is nothing new. But if it is true then it should have been sorted out by now. I just hope it's nothing more.

Mark: I think he is unsettled and can see him moving to another club. If he does, we desperately need other players up front. I hope I am wrong.

Richard: Something isn't quite right. What really needs to happen here is Isak to come out and say he is staying and that's it, or we are going to have speculation all the time. Is it his agent fuelling the situation by saying: "Why stay? You could earn mega bucks elsewhere."