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Liverpool have already saw one bid rejected for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
While Liverpool are maintaining a public silence, behind the scenes they have been orchestrating a move for the Sweden international. Last week, a £110million bid was rejected by Newcastle.
Isak was in Austria with his Newcastle teammates on July 15 when the Reds first made an informal approach. Since then, his conduct has come under question.
The 25-year-old reported a thigh injury and despite the scan results coming back clear, sat out of the club’s pre-season tour of Asia. Isak then proceeded to travel to Spain to train individually at former club Real Sociedad, a trip head coach Eddie Howe found out about through the media.
Howe then warned Isak he would have to “earn the right to train with the group” and that “no player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.” The Newcastle has doubled down on those comments this week.
Alexander Isak trains away from Newcastle United teammates
Howe’s squad were given Monday and Tuesday off this week after returning from Asia and on those days, Isak reported to the club’s training ground in the morning to train individually.
However, when the squad returned to Benton on Wednesday, Isak was told to report later in the day when his teammates had or were indeed leaving the building. That remained the same on Thursday.
Newcastle take on Espanyol on Friday evening at St James’ Park, then Atletico Madrid less than 24 hours later, but Isak won’t be involved in either game.
Liverpool official response to Alexander Isak speculation
Liverpool, meanwhile, are preparing to face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday. Speaking ahead of the game, manager Slot was asked about Isak.
And to little surprise, the Dutchman remained tight-lipped. He did, however, confirm that Darwin Nunez could leave Anfield, with his imminent £46m move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal set to boost their transfer budget.
“As you know, from me and I think every manager works like this, you never talk about players that are not yours. I can talk about Hugo [Ekitike], who we have signed and who has done really well,” Slot said at his pre-match press conference.
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“We are very happy with the squad and have every reason to be happy because we won the league last season. OK, players left but we brought players in as well and youngsters are doing good.
“At this moment of time, Darwin might leave, indeed, but things are not signed so we need to wait a few days until that is completely done but there is indeed a chance he is going to leave.”
Will Newcastle United sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool?
Secondly, Liverpool must pay what Newcastle deemed acceptable fee, which is understood to be around the £150million mark. Isak still has three years left on his contract at St James’ Park.
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