Newcastle rejected a first offer of £110m, plus add-ons, and are holding out for a British record £150m fee. The departure of Nunez means the Premier League champions are now in a position to table a bid much closer to that valuation.
However, according to talkSPORT reporter Ben Jacobs, Liverpool will only sign Isak if the deal meets their criteria. They reportedly will only come back in if Newcastle encourage a deal, and if the price signifies what they call ‘fair market value’.
FSG and Arne Slot are said to be prepared to pursue other targets if the League Cup winners don’t play ball. Signing an alternative forward would ultimately confine Isak to staying at St James’ Park, given Hugo Ekitike has already joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £79m deal.
Youngsters Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni also appear genuine first-team prospects, with Ngumoha scoring in stunning fashion during Monday’s friendly win over Athletic Club. Record signing Florian Wirtz is also capable of playing across the front line.
Isak appears in danger of being left in limbo if all parties cannot reach a deal. He is currently training separately from the first team at Newcastle and is not expected to be involved in their pre-season games with Espanyol and Atletico Madrid this weekend.
The Swedish international didn’t travel with the club for their pre-season tour of Asia. However, his club has failed in a series of bids for a potential replacement, and their ongoing pursuit of Benjamin Sesko is set to be scuppered by Manchester United.