Liverpool’s pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak remains alive, with Daily Mail reporter Lewis Steele stating it is “definitely not impossible” that the Magpie forward moves to Anfield this summer.
Speaking on the Whistleblowers podcast, Steele reported potentially ominous news for the Magpies fanatics.
“There’s every possibility that Liverpool go for him.” Steele said. “It’s definitely not impossible. Newcastle are already talking money and transfer fees.
“When clubs do that, it’s usually a sign of something.”
Newcastle are determined to keep Isak and are preparing a record-breaking contract offer exceeding £150,000 a week, as reported by The Times. However, the club is also aware that Isak is drawing strong interest after scoring 23 league goals last season.
Isak has three years left on his current deal, and Steele estimated the odds of a transfer at “around 30 per cent.”
Steele noted that Liverpool’s Sporting Director Richard Hughes “is very good friends with Eddie Howe,” adding that, “If (Isak) was absolutely not for sale, then he would know that by now.”
Former referee and Newcastle fan Mark Clattenburg also weighed in on the podcast.
“Every player has a price,” Clattenburg said. “Newcastle are quoting around £200 million, that’s probably a way of saying to the league – you can’t afford him.”
Clattenburg warned that a sale could lead to major fan backlash.
“If they sell him, the fans will go crazy,” Clattenburg said. “Newcastle should be looking to move forward as a club, to start to challenge Liverpool and Man City.
“The problem Newcastle have got is Isak’s contract. At the moment, he’s got great value but if he decides to see that contract out—we’re left with a Trent Alexander-Arnold situation.”