Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak has informed club officials that he will not play for the team again, intensifying a dispute less than a week before the Premier League season begins. The 25-year-old Swede, who has stayed away from pre-season fixtures and training sessions, is determined to join Liverpool despite Newcastle’s public stance that he is not for sale. People briefed on the talks said Liverpool had a bid of about £110–120 million turned down on 1 August and are weighing whether to return with what could become a Premier League-record offer approaching £150 million. Isak, under contract until 2028 after scoring 27 goals last season, is expected to miss Saturday’s opener at Aston Villa while Newcastle explore striker alternatives. At the same time Liverpool are advancing negotiations with Crystal Palace for England centre-back Marc Guehi. The Anfield club have reached agreement on personal terms with the 25-year-old and are discussing a transfer fee in the region of £30–35 million. Palace chairman Steve Parish conceded this week that losing a player of Guehi’s calibre on a free next summer would be a “problem”, leaving the club open to a sale during the current window. Liverpool are also working on a separate deal for Parma’s 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni. With the transfer deadline set for 1 September, the champions are attempting to strengthen both their attack and defence, while Newcastle face pressure to resolve Isak’s future and secure a replacement before the season gets underway.