ALEXANDER ISAK insists his Newcastle career is over amid Liverpool's intense interest.
Isak, 25, has been embroiled in a massive transfer saga that has seen him training alone after being omitted from Eddie Howe's squad in the midst of the uncertainty surrounding his future.
According to transfer insider David Ornstein, the star striker is adamant that his time at St James' Park is finished.
In fact, the Sweden international has no wish to reintegrate with the Magpies.
And he won't change his mind even if the summer transfer window slams shut with him still at the Toon.
The centre-forward returned to former club Real Sociedad to train alone earlier in the summer when he wasn't part of the pre-season tour of Asia due to the speculation.
And the Swedish superstar is not expected to play a part in his team's Premier League curtain raiser on Saturday at Aston Villa.
Newcastle have told Isak that he will not be allowed to leave the club this summer.
However, the Premier League giants are still exploring the market for a potential replacement amid the ongoing stand-off.
Newcastle have been linked with Paris Saint-Germain's Randal Kolo Muani, Brentford's Yoane Wissa, Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and Porto's Samu Aghehowa - formerly known as Samu Omorodion.
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
According to The Athletic, the Geordies are also keeping tabs on Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund, who is also targeted by AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.
Newcastle have missed out on other major targets, such as Benjamin Sesko who went to Man Utd, Hugo Ekitike who joined Liverpool as well as Liam Delap and Joao Pedro who moved to Chelsea.
And options are running out as Kolo Muani also appears close to returning to Juventus, where he spent the second half of last season on loan.
Newcastle and Isak's reported fall-out occurred after the player was informed last summer that a new contract would not yet be offered to him.
That is because the Carabao Cup holders need to comply with financial fair play rules and the forward already has a lucrative deal until 2028.
Isak then made it clear that the 2024-25 season would be his last campaign with the club.
Some at Newcastle deny these reports and believe Isak planned to discuss the situation.
Liverpool are yet to make another offer since their £110million bid was turned down.
Newcastle may be willing to change their mind if the Reds up their bid to about £150m and there is sufficient time to find a replacement