Latest Liverpool transfer news and rumours as the Reds maintain an interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak.
Alexander Isak.(Image: Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
With less than a month to go until the transfer window slams shut, Liverpool remain at the heart of one of the summer’s most gripping sagas.
After Newcastle United swiftly rejected a £110 million bid for Sweden international Alexander Isak last week, the Reds are firmly in watch-and-wait mode. The Magpies would need to significantly soften their stance before Liverpool return to the table with a second offer for the player. However, it's far from a straightforward move, given that Eddie Howe requires a replacement through the door before Newcastle can even contemplate an Isak exit.
Fortunately for Liverpool, landing the 25-year-old will not define their summer, as they’ve already made quality additions, including Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. Nevertheless, with Luis Diaz now at Bayern Munich and uncertainty still surrounding the futures of Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa, Liverpool cannot afford to begin the new season with only three senior attacking options.
So, here ECHO Sport rounds up the latest news and rumours surrounding Liverpool's pursuit of Isak.
Newcastle 'consider' replacements
Testament to the complexity and peculiarity of the saga, the Reds find themselves heavily invested in a transfer that doesn’t even directly involve them. With Newcastle battling Manchester United for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, a move to St James' Park for the Slovenia international could open the door for Isak’s switch to Anfield.
According to Mail Sport's Craig Hope, Newcastle last spoke to Sesko’s camp on Sunday and are seeking an answer within the next 24 hours. Should the 22-year-old favour a move to Old Trafford, the Magpies will need to quickly turn their attention to alternative targets.
The article also notes that Newcastle have other options under consideration in case their pursuit of Sesko falls through. While Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz are names to watch, Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos is the latest forward to be added to the shortlist.
Eddie Howe fires warning
With the Newcastle squad due to return from their Asian tour early this week, and Isak already back in the UK after flying to Spain to use his former club Real Sociedad's training facilities, the coming days could be pivotal in determining the stance of both club and player.
Newcastle boss Howe has issued a stern warning to the striker, insisting he must earn the right to train with his teammates. "We are Newcastle United," he told Mail Sport.
"The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad - you have to act in the right way. So that is also at play here.
"We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal."