The latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip as we look at the situation surrounding Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak has admirers at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool now reportedly know what it would take for Newcastle United to consider selling target Alexander Isak. The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for the striker, who they have long admired.
Arne Slot’s side have already seen one bid rejected for the Sweden international, with Newcastle firmly turning down the £110million offer. However, uncertainty over Isak’s future remains, and with Callum Wilson already gone this summer, Newcastle are looking to sign at least one new forward before the September 1 deadline.
One player they are eyeing is Yoane Wissa, with Brentford reportedly demanding £40m. A fresh development could now affect the plans of both Newcastle and Liverpool.
On Monday, talkSPORT reported that Brentford are blocking Wissa's move to Newcastle, despite having signed Dango Ouattara over the weekend. It's been suggested that Brentford are now demanding £60m for Wissa - a 50% increase on their original asking price.
Ouattara is believed to be seen as Bryan Mbeumo's long-term successor, meaning Brentford must now find a replacement for Wissa. The decision has sparked anger from the player, who has unfollowed Brentford on social media, removed his profile picture, and deleted all club-related content from his Instagram account.
Wissa was reportedly assured he could leave for £26m, having stayed last season following Ivan Toney's move to Al-Ahli.
If the deal falls through, it could have a knock-on effect on Isak’s potential move to Anfield. The Daily Mail claims that Newcastle won't approve the move unless they secure two new strikers, and so far, they are yet to bring in any this summer.
The Magpies have already missed out on Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and Benjamin Sesko to Premier League rivals but the search for reinforcements continues.
As the ECHO understands, Liverpool will not return with a new bid until getting an indication that Newcastle are in a position to, and are willing to, to sell their striker.
Elsewhere, journalist Fabrizio Romano has reiterated his claim that Isak has made it clear that he only wants to join Liverpool. Interestingly, he notes that the two clubs face each other next, with suggestions that negotiations could resume after their clash at St James' Park.
Romano said: "The reason is that Alexander Isak only wants to play for Liverpool. Alexander Isak only wants to go to Liverpool. Alexander Isak every single time Newcastle, their board, management or Eddie Howe approached him in recent weeks over a new contract, the answer from the player was, 'I'm not going to sign a new contract, I'm not interested in a new deal."
"Even when Isak offered the opportunity to include a release clause so he could leave in 2026, the clear answer was always the same. Alexander Isak doesn't want to change his position, only Liverpool. Now we expect the two clubs to recover negotiations but as always Newcastle have to find a new striker, they're looking for a new number nine.
"A factor in this story is that Alexander Isak is in the middle of the two clubs. The next game is Newcastle vs Liverpool, this is also part of the story and why the two clubs are on standby, then these clubs will try again for Alexander."
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