The remainder of Liverpool’s transfer window feels set to be dominated by talk of Alexander Isak.
It has been a productive summer at Anfield so far, with three exciting new names being added to Arne Slot’s squad.
However, for all the good that Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez will bring to Liverpool, there remains a hole at centre-forward.
Liverpool fans will be hoping that will be filled by Isak, and, as Rousing The Kop has previously revealed, the Reds are undeterred in their pursuit of Newcastle’s Swedish striker.
Reports have suggested Liverpool are not downplaying that a bid for Isak could arrive this month, and RTK understands an offer of £130m could potentially secure the 25-year-old.
However, for that to happen Isak himself is going to have to make it known to Newcastle that he wants to leave. As things begin to boil in this transfer saga, it has now been revealed whether the Swede is already making steps towards doing that.
Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring for Newcastle United against Ipswich Town in the Premier League at St James' Park.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
No transfer request from Alexander Isak
If Liverpool fans are growing in excitement at the prospect of their club going big for Isak, Newcastle supporters are surely beginning to get weary.
However, according to the Newcastle Chronicle journalist Lee Ryder, there is no need for Magpies followers to be too downcast.
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Responding to a question in a Q&A with fans over whether rumours of an Isak transfer request are true, Ryder says that is absolutely not the case.
“What is very true at the moment is that Isak has not handed in any type of transfer request or demanded any crisis talks,” says the reporter. “It is quite the opposite in that he is calmly assessing the situation and he is due to report back for pre-season next week.”
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“Now things can change but I don’t see any play from the striker to push for a move. The plan was to sit down and talk about a new contract and that remains the case.
“On the Liverpool side, they have not bid or approached Newcastle yet so anything else remains speculation,” Ryder adds. “Does that mean the Reds aren’t interested? No. But Newcastle are in control.”
Crucial month in Isak saga
While this is not initially good news for Liverpool, as Ryder acknowledges, things can change very quickly in football.
If a Reds move for Isak was ever going to happen, it was going to come after July. There is a still a long way to run in this transfer window and Liverpool are getting their confidence from somewhere.
Newcastle, like Liverpool, are due to return for pre-season in the coming week and there will be the chance for Isak to publicly comment on any rumours.
Although that may or may not happen, expect the Sweden international’s body language to be thoroughly dissected by both Liverpool and Newcastle fans as he returns to the north east.
If there is a chink of light that he may go, the Reds are still expected to push hard for Isak. But, for now, it still feels like the calm before the storm.