Liverpool know that Newcastle United are not going to sell Alexander Isak without bringing in a replacement.
That is the crucial factor that is stopping a deal from progressing, despite Alexander Isak wanting to join Liverpool.
As it stands, he might not get what he wants. In the meantime, Isak is refusing to play for Newcastle. In his eyes, his Toon career is over.
Whether or not that remains the case, the 25-year-old will not be leaving St James’ Park until someone that can fill his boots arrives.
Alexander Isak scores a goal for Newcastle United against Southampton.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Newcastle United no closer to replacing Alexander Isak
But who can Newcastle United sign who is good enough to replace Isak? Remember, this is a man who is widely considered to be one of the best strikers in world football.
That is where the problem lies for Newcastle, which in turn is a problem for Liverpool and Isak. Unfortunately for those two parties, it is a problem that might not be resolved this summer.
According to the Telegraph, Newcastle United currently believe that Isak is going to remain at St James’ Park and that he will be reintegrated into the first-team squad.
The Telegraph add that the Magpies’ recruitment team is still scouring the market for forwards who could replace Isak. However, there is not a lot of confidence that one will be identified.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
The search for a replacement is made all the more challenging because the Telegraph state that Newcastle want someone who is readymade to take Isak’s place, rather than a player with potential.
Why Ollie Watkins might suddenly not be an option for Newcastle United
Had Newcastle signed Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike or Benjamin Sesko, Isak would have been allowed to leave. Those three players, all of which Newcastle bid for, are all capable of taking the Sweden international’s place.
However, they moved elsewhere, which has forced Newcastle United to look at other targets.
Ollie Watkins has been linked with Newcastle, and he would be a great fit to replace Isak due to being Premier League proven.
However, Aston Villa do not want to sell Watkins. On top of that, they probably will not need to either once Newcastle sign Jacob Ramsey. The Magpies are set to pay Aston Villa £40million for the midfielder, handing Unai Emery’s side a massive financial boost in the world of PSR.
That cash injection should help keep Watkins at Aston Villa, which means he is another option that Newcastle United can cross off their list.