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Alexander Isak has handled his transfer situation “poorly” but Newcastle boss Eddie Howe may be forced to sell him for the sake of the team. That’s the view of former Scotland and Rangers front man Ally McCoist who is not impressed with Isak’s conduct this summer.

The Swedish hitman is looking to force a move to Liverpool and has told Magpies top brass he wants out of St James’ Park. Isak, 25, headed off to Spain for training without informing Howe as he recovered from a thigh strain while the rest of the squad were in the Far East for pre-season training.

McCoist said: “I think he’s acted poorly. Not all players but some players and people forget that if you sign a contract you are clearly happy with he contract.

“You can’t sign a contract with the intention of doing well, throwing the toys out and demanding a move. You can’t do that. If you sign a contract then you have to say, ‘I’m here for three years, four years and that I’m going to honour that contract.

“You sign it because you’re happy with it. I think he’s been poor. You can’t behave like that. The one set of supporters that won’t let you away with it are Newcastle fans. It’s hard to argue with them.”

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Liverpool have failed with a £110million bid for Isak as they look to further bolster their attack this summer. The Reds are not prepared to make a second bid until they receive some encouragement from Newcastle that they’re willing to negotiate.

Howe has been trying to bring in a potential replacement for Isak but failed in a bid to sign Benjamin Sesko, who ended up at Manchester United. TNT Sports pundit McCoist feels though that Howe may have to let him go for the better of the team if Isak could potentially be a problem if he stays.

He said: “Eddie has to show strength but the most important thing he has to do what is right for the team and the club. We might think leadership is Eddie going, ‘Right, get yourself fit and get back in this squad’ but that might not be the best thing for Newcastle.

Should Newcastle cash in on Alexander Isak? Have your say in the comments section.

“We might say he’s not been strong enough but what he is actually doing might be the best for Newcastle. Eddie might say to the owners, ‘I know you want £150m, I’m telling you now he will be a problem when he gets back in the dressing room so you’re going to have to do something’.

“He might say, ‘I won’t say this publicly but I don’t want him back in the dressing room because he will cause me problems’. We don’t know how Eddie is thinking.

“He has to do what is best for the team and club going forward. That might be accepting £20m less. But I don’t know the situation. I don’t think Isak has handled it well.”

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