Alexander Isak twist as Newcastle star claims he’s ‘not panicking’ over Liverpool speculation

Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier is “not panicking” over Alexander Isak’s future, insisting he is confident the Swede will play for the Magpies again and despite Fabrizio Romano rating favourably the chances of the striker signing for Liverpool.

Isak has made clear his wish to leave St James’ Park for a fresh challenge at Liverpool after effectively becoming frustrated by their lack of transfer activity so far and at their refusal to meet his demands for a new contract worth in the region of £300,000 a week. As a result, speculation that he will move to Anfield has gathered pace in recent weeks and despite Newcastle’s repeated stance that their star man is ‘not for sale’.

However, in a sure-fire sign that Newcastle are preparing to relent and let their superstar frontman leave, the Magpies have mobilised towards the signing of Benjamin Sesko in recent days, lodging a firm bid for his services and reaching an ‘agreement in principle’ over personal terms.

Claims of Isak’s unhappiness on Tyneside first broke with some certainty on Thursday morning when our transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher beat the likes of Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Craig Hope and Alex Crooks to the monumental breaking news.

And with the Swede left behind on their pre-season tour of Asia – the party line is that the striker is nursing an injury, though sources have confirmed the scan did come back clear – speculation of a summer move to Liverpool has ramped up in recent days.

Not according, though, to the experienced Trippier, who not only insists he is not panicked by Isak’s situation, but also that he is convinced his story at St James’ Park is not over yet.