Isak absent from Newcastle's Asia tour amid transfer speculation

Newcastle United will be without Alexander Isak for their tour of Asia, amid mounting transfer speculation surrounding the striker.

Isak, who scored 23 Premier League goals last season, has been the subject of interest from Liverpool, while Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have also been linked with a move for the Swede.

Eddie Howe left Isak out of Newcastle's squad for last Saturday's friendly against Celtic due to the transfer speculation, though insisted he was confident the forward would be staying put and was happy on Tyneside.

However, Isak is not part of the travelling party for Newcastle's tour of Asia, which takes in a clash against Arsenal in Singapore before games in South Korea against a K-League All-Star team and Tottenham.

Isak has, according to Newcastle's statement, sustained a minor thigh injury.

Otherwise, Howe has a full squad to choose from, with Lewis Hall having returned from his injury lay-off to come back into contention.

While they attempt to keep hold of star man Isak, it has been a frustrating transfer window in terms of incomings so far for Newcastle.

They made a move for Hugo Ekitike last week, but could not strike an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt, and the attacker has subsequently joined Liverpool.

Earlier this week, Newcastle reportedly had a £25m bid for Yoane Wissa turned down by Brentford.