Newcastle United had maintained a hardball stance over Alexander Isak all summer.
Newcastle United have accepted a bid worth £130million for star striker Alexander Isak.
Despite placing a £150million price tag on the Swede for almost a year, Toon chiefs cut the figure to dangle the carrot for Liverpool. An opening offer from the Reds last month worth around £110million was rejected.
PIF remained adamant that Isak would not be sold this summer given his importance to Eddie Howe’s side. However, the way the 25-year-old has acted moved the dial and belief emerged within the club that selling him might be the best option.
Alexander Isak transfer summit
High-ranking officials from the Public Investment Fund and Jamie Reuben held crunch talks with Isak before the 3-2 defeat to Liverpool a week ago. The saga was not resolved, with the player doubling down on his ambition to leave Newcastle.
It is understood that the meeting fuelled an acceptance that Isak should be sold. Within hours, the Magpies moved for Nick Woltemade, who completed his club-record move over the weekend.
Newcastle United revise price tag
The Telegraph claim Newcastle lowered their asking price by £20million ahead of deadline day. Liverpool returned to the table and have seen a fresh bid worth £130million accepted, with Isak now due on Merseyside for a medical.
Worryingly for the Magpies, The Telegraph suggest a replacement may not arrive. A suitable successor was considered one of Newcastle’s “conditions” for a sale.
Woltemade’s arrival last week softened the blow but United ideally wanted two strikers through the door after losing Callum Wilson. As mentioned, the toxicity around the Isak saga has been taken into consideration.
NewcastleWorld understands the club will push for a centre-forward on deadline day. Yoane Wissa - now valued by Brentford at £65million - and Jorgen Strand Larsen of Brentford are on the shortlist.
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Jamie Reuben on transfer efforts
Speaking to TNT Sports at theChampions League draw, Toon co-owner Jamie Reuben insisted officials are working around the clock on new arrivals. He said: “They (the fans) should rest assured we're working hard.
“We have worked hard all summer to make sure that the team is in the best possible condition to compete at the highest levels of football. That's what we always want. We've worked very hard and we'll continue working very hard up until the last second to ensure the team is in tip-top shape for the campaign ahead.”
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