Newcastle United have excluded striker Alexander Isak from first-team duties after the Sweden international informed the club he would not play for them again. Several outlets report that Liverpool’s opening offer of about £110 million was rejected, with Newcastle indicating they would only reconsider a sale close to £150 million and once replacements are secured before the 1 September transfer deadline. Isak, 25, has trained away from team-mates since skipping the club’s pre-season tour, declined improved contract talks and vacated his Tyneside home, according to The Times. The forward, who scored 23 league goals last season, also faces a potential fine of up to two weeks’ wages for refusing to take part in competitive matches. Manager Eddie Howe said "all options remain open" and insisted there is a way back for Isak if no transfer materialises, but acknowledged the player "controls" his immediate future. Newcastle are continuing to pursue at least one new striker after rebuffed approaches for Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. Isak’s absence was felt in Newcastle’s Premier League opener on 16 August, a goalless draw at Aston Villa despite the hosts playing the final 24 minutes with ten men following Ezri Konsa’s red card. Anthony Gordon led the line but the visitors failed to convert sustained pressure into goals, underscoring the importance of resolving the impasse before a looming home fixture against Liverpool on 25 August.