Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is not agitating for a move away from the club “as things stand”, according to The Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards.
The journalist had originally rubbished claims that Liverpool were poised to make a move for the Swedish international, but after it was confirmed that the Reds had made an approach for the player, Edwards said:
“Newcastle United remain steadfast in their message that Alexander Isak is not for sale this summer in light of an enquiry from Liverpool.”
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“View is this is a deliberate ploy to try and unsettle the striker. As things stand, he’s not agitating to leave but we shall see.”
Isak has had other suitors, including Arsenal, but it appears that, if he does want to leave St James’ Park, Anfield is his most likely destination.
How much are Liverpool prepared to pay for Isak?
The Athletic have revealed that the Reds are willing to break the British transfer record for the second time this summer.
Arne Slot’s side have already paid £116m for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz but they are believed to be prepared to spend in excess of £120m for Isak if the Magpies signal they are willing to negotiate.
Otherwise, there is a chance that the Merseysiders will seek to hijack the Magpies’ move for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.
What is the latest on Ekitike’s switch to Newcastle?
Reports in the German media claim that Frankfurt have received a written offer in the region of €80m (£69.5m). The German side are said to be unhappy with the payment terms while they believe other interested teams are willing to pay more.
It looks like the Magpies have made the biggest bid for Ekitike so far this summer but, if Liverpool do enter the race over the coming days, that could change.
In other news, Newcastle have reportedly ‘begun discussions’ to sign a Chelsea defender