LIVERPOOL could well make Alexander Isak the Premier League’s most expensive transfer ever this summer if the current champions are to get their man.
Arne Slot’s side saw an initial bid of £110million rejected by Newcastle, but the 25-year-old was told to train separately on Wednesday after the rest of the squad had left for a pre-season trip to Singapore and South Korea, as uncertainty over his future continues.
Only Liverpool’s Mo Salah (29) bagged more goals than Isak (23) last season and the Swedish international was the main driving force in guiding Eddie Howe’s men to a top five finish and European football for the upcoming season.
He arrived from Real Sociedad during the summer of 2022 and played a key role last season as Newcastle ended their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy with the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League for the second time in three seasons.
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He netted just after the half time interval in the Carabao Cup final, against Liverpool, as Newcastle ran out 2-1 winners, with Dan Burn also finding the target for the champions.
Isak informed the club he wanted to explore his options this summer and flew to Spain to train at former club Sociedad before returning to Tyneside at the weekend shortly before head coach Eddie Howe and his squad landed back from Seoul and were given two days off.
“You have to earn the right to train with us. We are Newcastle United,” said Howe. “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 earns the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.”
Darwin Nunez looks to be leaving Liverpool having spent three years at the club and is close to finalising a move to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal. The 26-year-old, who signed for the club for a huge £85m three summers ago, started eight Premier League games last season as Liverpool lifted the crown.
The Uruguayan has scored 40 goals in 143 appearances but slipped down the pecking order at Anfield under both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.
Liverpool rejected a bid of about £60m from Al-Nassr back in January, keeping their focus on the title race, and he remain part of plans for the Community Shield against Crystal Palace on Sunday if he is not sold.
A potential replace for Isak could be Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, who has been linked with a move to the Magpies. The 28-year-old would be a lose for new Brentford boss and former Republic of Ireland midfielder Kieth Andrews.
Wissa missed their recent 1-0 victory over Queen’s Park Rangers, with newly appointed club captain Nathan Collins providing the only goal, and it remains to be seen whether Wissa is part of the squad to face Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday.