Newcastle United have already knocked back an opening offer worth £110million from Liverpool for Alexander Isak.
Virgil van Dijk has sent a message to Liverpool’s board that they need another forward amid continuing speculation regarding Alexander Isak.
Newcastle United find themselves at the centre of the world’s biggest transfer saga. Star striker Isak wants out - and has played zero part in the club’s Premier League preparations.
Eddie Howe has not welcomed the Swede into the group following the pre-season tour of Asia due to his clear desire to leave. There is no denying that the Isak saga has been an unwanted distraction as the Magpies prepare for a top-flight and Champions League campaign.
Virgil van Dijk on Liverpool transfer situation
Speaking after his side lost the Community Shield to Crystal Palace on penalties, Liverpool captain Van Dijk cheekily suggested the board need to sign another forward. While Hugo Ekitike - a former Newcastle target - has arrived, the Reds have sold Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and tragically lost Diogo Jota last month.
"Well, we just lost Darwin (Nunez), he went to Saudi Arabia, and we lost Lucho (Luis Diaz), obviously, he went to Bayern,” he told talkSPORT. “I think there's always room for an attacker in order to strengthen us so let's see what the window brings in terms of the balance of the team.
"I think we have more than enough options to be good enough to win (the Premier League) again. This is where I focus on myself. With the players we have, we should be able to win (against Crystal Palace) and score. That's actually what we did as well.”
Eddie Howe talks Alexander Isak
Howe told reporters at the weekend that the Isak decision, ultimately, is out of his hands. He said: “That’s a decision that I won’t make, that will be for other people to make. For me, I’m just trying to manage the situation and manage the team, most importantly manage the group of players that I’m working with day to day, that I love coaching and helping.
“We’re focusing on Aston Villa. Everything else, to a degree, from my perspective is not in my control, so it’s not my focus. That’s not something I’m aware of (whether Isak has been told he must stay). Of course, there are discussions going on all the time that I’m not party to. I have no knowledge of that.”
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Former Liverpool man speaks out
Former Liverpool star Pennant believes Newcastle should accept the £110million that was on offer 10 days ago and reinvest in the squad. He told talkSPORT: "If you've got one hand tied behind your back, then it's very difficult to get transfers in and build on your team and then you're fighting a losing battle.
“I'm not just saying this because I'm a Liverpool fan but wouldn't it be in probably everybody's best interest if Newcastle cashed in on Isak. It's because not only will you be getting (big money), Newcastle will be getting (rid of) a player that is very unhappy and you may not get the best out of him this season because of all the noise that's gone on.
"You then can use that money to replace him and get other players without worrying about PSR. And then everyone gets what they want, Newcastle rebuild and move on. I think it will be in everyone's best interest if Newcastle took £110million.”
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