Liverpool’s first bid to sign Newcastle United star Alexander Isak proved to be unsuccessful.
The Sweden international is one of the best strikers in the world, and he is good enough to start for any top team in Europe.
Arne Slot’s side have been interested in the 25-year-old for a long time, and in July, Liverpool made an approach to Newcastle for Isak.
That was followed by an official offer on Friday, but that was turned down immediately.
Newcastle United feel Liverpool’s priority was always Hugo Ekitike, not Alexander Isak
Newcastle United are far from happy with the Alexander Isak situation.
The former Real Sociedad man has arguably been their best player over the last two seasons, but he sees his future elsewhere.
Isak was left out of Newcastle’s squad after he informed them of his desire to explore a move away from St James’ Park.
Liverpool then had a bid rejected for Isak, and the Daily Mail claim that the Reds have no intention of returning with a second offer.
Sources close to the deal believe that Liverpool have ‘bottled it’ and have ‘strung along’ the forward, who has now found himself in a very difficult position.
Furthermore, the report claims that Newcastle have sympathy for Isak, who they believe has been ‘badly advised and left high and dry by Liverpool, whose priority was always Hugo Ekitike‘.
It is believed by sources, however, that the Reds’ interest was genuine, but their valuation of Isak falls well short of Newcastle’s, which stands at £150 million.
Liverpool have got Ekitike in already, so it remains to be seen now if they will table an improved bid for Isak later in the window.
Liverpool Unveil New Signing Hugo Ekitike
Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
What Newcastle think about Liverpool’s ‘conduct’ in the Alexander Isak saga
No club in the world would want their best player to force a move away, and Newcastle are no different.
Isak is currently training alone in Spain at Real Sociedad’s facilities, and it is very clear that his head has been turned by the Premier League champions.
The Mail add that there is ‘bafflement and some anger at Liverpool’s conduct’ from those at Newcastle, who are prepared to stand firm.
The report claims that if Liverpool do come back with another offer, Newcastle will only entertain a sale on their terms.
Those terms are that the Reds will have to improve their first offer significantly, and Newcastle will have had to have made progress on replacements.