The reaction of Newcastle's dressing room to Alexander's Isak public statement on social media has been revealed.
Isak posted a message on Instagram on Tuesday night after failing to attend the 2024/25 PFA awards ceremony.
He explained that he chose to snub the ceremony, which would have seen him collect his award for being named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season, as 'it didn't feel right to be there'.
Isak did not play in Newcastle's 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday amid speculation surrounding a potential move to Liverpool, with the Daily Mail claiming he is effectively 'on strike'.
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He then took aim at Newcastle by writing: "The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if those issues are only emerging is misleading.
"When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now - and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself."
In response, Newcastle stated that they were 'disappointed' by Isak's statement, and wrote that the club had never made a commitment to the striker to allow him to leave St James' Park this summer.
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They added: "As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired.
"We do not foresee those conditions being met."
Magpies captain Bruno Guimaraes, meanwhile, appeared to send a pointed message to Isak by posting himself in a Newcastle shirt just minutes after the striker's public statement.
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Unsurprisingly, that view seems to be shared by several Magpies players - but not all, according to the Daily Mail's Craig Hope.
They claim that there is now 'said to be a divide' among the first team, in terms of whether or not they still support Isak or not.
However, the report adds that team spirit 'remains strong' and that Newcastle's decision to identify replacements for Isak was partially due to the feelings of the squad.
Have Newcastle players spoken about Isak?
No Magpies player has discussed the situation publicly, but Anthony Gordon made references to it in his post-match interview with TNT Sports' Jules Breach after Saturday's 0-0 draw against Aston Villa.
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With Newcastle due to host Liverpool at St James' Park on Monday, Gordon commented:
"I think with everything that's gone on," he said, "I'm sure the atmosphere's going to be a bit wild.
"I'm just excited to see the home fans again, get back in the stadium. It's going to be a top game."
Topics: Newcastle United, Liverpool, Alexander Isak, Premier League, Football, Transfers
Ryan Smart