Alexander Isak prediction made ahead of Liverpool visit as Gary Lineker sends three-word message

Gary Lineker says there's "not a chance" Alexander Isak turns up at St James' Park to watch Newcastle United face Liverpool on Monday. The striker has been at the centre of a dramatic transfer saga involving the two clubs this summer.

Tensions started building on Tyneside last month when Isak missed Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia, instead opting to train at his old club, Real Sociedad. The Swede then noted how he hoped to explore his options away from the north east before Liverpool submitted an opening offer of £110million.

As the bid was swiftly rejected, Isak was instructed to train alone by the Newcastle top brass. As it currently stands, he is said to be refusing to ever turn out for the Magpies again, missing their Premier League opener with Aston Villa last weekend.

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The 25-year-old also took to Instagram on Tuesday to break his silence on matters at play, claiming his club had broken promises over the past couple of months while opining that the best course of action was for him to move on.

As Newcastle are set to host Liverpool in the Premier League on Monday evening, there has been speculation as to whether Isak will attend St James' Park to watch the teams battle it out. However, Lineker believes that there's no chance of that happening.

Speaking on , Lineker said: "The fixture list sometimes does this beautifully doesn't it? Newcastle vs Liverpool. Of course it is," before Alan Shearer added: "Monday night, I'll be at the match as well."

When asked if he thinks Isak will be there by Lineker, Shearer replied: "No, do you?" The former Match of the Day host added: "Not a chance," as he erupted into laughter. Explaining how Isak's transfer saga will only add to the tensions during the match, Shearer added: "It'll be an incredible atmosphere. It's a bit tasty anyway, Newcastle Liverpool, so it's a bit of added spice I think, don't you?"

Lineker then joked: "Why don't you do a swap deal, for [Hugo] Ekitike? Just to stir things up a bit. Sorry, but you've got to try to see the funny side of these things, especially for fans, and you are a fan of Newcastle. I mean, it's just brutal."

Newcastle were also in for Eintracht Frankfurt sensation Ekitike this summer, before Liverpool beat them to the punch in a £79m move. The striker has started off in fine form at his new club, netting in Liverpool's Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace, as well as their 4-2 Premier League opening day win over Bournemouth last Friday.

While Liverpool are yet to return with an improved offer for Isak, it is thought that they may do so before the transfer window slams shut come September 1. But only if Newcastle can provide a little wiggle room on their reported £150m valuation of their talisman.

It comes as the Magpies are still struggling in their own endeavours of securing a proven No. 9 to fill the void left by Isak. The club saw a £40m bid for Yoane Wissa rejected by Brentford earlier this week, and while the possibility of a second swoop has not been ruled out, it appears as though they are also considering Wolves centre-forward, Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Wolves are determined to retain the 25-year-old, but Newcastle may be able to change their stance with a suitable offer, believed to be in the region of £60m. Eddie Howe will likely have to make do with a makeshift striker once more against Liverpool, regardless.

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