Isak not in Newcastle squad for pre-season tour

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 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 squad 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 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 - whom Newcastle bid £70m for - for an initial £69m.

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, who has not featured since February with a foot injury, has been included in the tour squad.

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.

Newcastle have been steadfast in their stance on Isak throughout the summer as Howe looks to keep his squad intact for a return to the Champions League this season.

Isak has three years left on his contract and Newcastle, who are owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), are in a comfortable position with profit and sustainability rules, meaning they are under no pressure to sell.

Most Premier League clubs are unable to match Newcastle's reported £130m valuation.

Arsenal have previously been credited with an interest and have the budget, but they have since turned their attention to Viktor Gyokeres and are close to finalising a deal.

Manchester City have the funds to go after Isak but are unlikely to pursue a deal with Erling Haaland under a lengthy contract.

Chelsea have added strikers Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to their squad this summer.

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."