Alexander Isak’s transfer saga continues, with the striker set to miss Newcastle United’s first Premier League game against Aston Villa, however, there is some optimism that a resolution may still be reached

Alexander Isak looks set to miss Newcastle United’s opening clash wth Aston Villa as he trains in exile(Image: Getty)

Newcastle United could solve Alexander Isak’s transfer standoff by agreeing to sell him next summer once they’ve found a replacement, says former Premier League defender Chris Powell. The Swedish striker made his intentions to quit Tyneside known back in July and has since attracted a jaw-dropping £110million offer from reigning champions Liverpool.

But the Magpies rate their star man much higher, leaving negotiations at a complete deadlock at St. James’ Park. Isak has made it abundantly clear he won’t pull on a Newcastle shirt this season as he pushes for his dream switch to Anfield, though with no improved offer on the table, the situation is becoming increasingly toxic.

Powell, who featured in the top flight for Derby County, Charlton and Watford before moving into management, thinks there’s still a way forward and believes the club could throw Isak a lifeline by promising to cash in on him in 12 months once they’ve lined up a proper replacement.

“There is a way back for Newcastle if they say to Isak, ‘Give us a year,’” said Powell, Footy Accumulators No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, in partnership with BOYLE Sports.

“We’ve seen it before with (Cristiano) Ronaldo and (Sir Alex Ferguson) Fergie, give him a year and he can go next summer. That gives them time to get a replacement.

“At the moment, they’ve missed out on (Benjamin) Sesko, (Bryan) Mbeumo, one or two others, they can’t get a replacement now. All of a sudden, they might panic and get players they don’t necessarily want.”

Powell thinks a resolution can be reached between Howe’s team and Isak(Image: Getty)

Newcastle have had two record-breaking bids for strikers rejected this summer, including a £70m offer for Hugo Ekitike that was turned down, reports Chronicle Live.

Liverpool managed to secure the signing of Frankfurt’s French striker in a £79m deal, and shortly after, another target, Benjamin Sesko, also eluded them.’

The Magpies made two offers for RB Leipzig forward, with the second bid escalating to £75m. Despite Newcastle’s more lucrative offer, Manchester United ended up securing his services.

Howe’s side missed yet another opportunity to replace the 25-year-old, leaving Isak in a state of uncertainty. He is currently training separately from his Newcastle colleagues.

Powell has suggested that the club should reach a compromise with Isak, convincing him to stay for another year before guaranteeing his departure next summer when a new striker can be signed without any rush. However, the 55-year-old concedes that Isak’s move to Liverpool in the future is inevitable, despite the club’s insistence that he is not for sale.

“I think Isak’s going to Liverpool. For him to do that and express his desire to leave, he’s going,” continued Powell, who last coached Sheffield Wednesday, a position he left in July.

“They’re not going to keep him and tell him he’s in the reserves. You can’t do that anymore, those days are over. He’s going to Liverpool. And if Liverpool gets him, that’s it. The league is over.”