Liverpool and Newcastle are currently locked in a stalemate regarding the future of Alexander Isak.
The Reds want to sign the Sweden international, but because Eddie Howe’s men are yet to source a replacement for the attacker, their stance of not selling Isak has remained the same.
The Reds have already signed Hugo Ekitike this season, and although the Frenchman has put in a couple of solid performances as a number nine, there’s no denying that Isak would improve the team even more.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
However, since Liverpool’s initial bid of £110million was rejected without a counter-offer being sent over, talks have since died down, even though the interest remains there.
Liverpool’s next bid for Alexander Isak could be worth £120m
As mentioned, Isak is still on Liverpool’s radar and with the attacker being their number one target since the summer transfer window opened, it’s unlikely that they’ll stop trying to go after him.
However, it feels like both Liverpool and Newcastle are being stubborn with one another due to the importance of the transfer to both teams.
And, as per a fresh report from BBC Sport journalist Sami Mokbel, it seems like the Reds have already lined up the amount they’re willing to bid, should encouragement be given to sign the striker.
The report shares that the reason Slot hasn’t made another bid yet is that Isak’s move would then be ‘reliant on Newcastle getting two strikers’ rather than just the one.
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Although the Magpies have stated publicly that he’s not for sale, the fact that they’re looking to sign two strikers says all Liverpool’s fans need to know.
The report also goes on to say that Liverpool’s ‘next offer’ for Isak will be a ‘minimum’ of £120million.
Alexander Isak smiles as he arrives at St James Park ahead of Newcastle United's Premier League match against Chelsea.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Newcastle hit back at Alexander Isak’s statement
On Tuesday evening, another major update in the Isak transfer saga dropped with the Sweden international putting out a statement via his Instagram account, which stated that ‘promises’ had been broken by the Magpies.
In response, Newcastle doubled down on their stance of not selling him and even mentioned that he could end up playing for Howe’s men again this season, that is, if he isn’t sold, of course.
However, one interesting thing from the Magpies’ statement was that they didn’t completely rule out a sale.
And, even though things still need to be ironed out between Liverpool and Newcastle, it now feels like a move has to happen, especially since Isak’s heart is clearly set on a move to Merseyside this summer.