All the latest Liverpool FC news as the Premier League champions look to wrap up a deal for Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates 3rd goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at St James' Park on February 23, 2025
Alexander Isak during Newcastle United's clash against Nottingham Forest(Image: Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Liverpool are in a race against time to sign Alexander Isak before the transfer window slams shut. The Newcastle United striker has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield this summer as Arne Slot looks to bolster his attacking options.
According to the i Paper, the Reds are yet to submit a second bid for Isak. The report claims Liverpool have not submitted an improved proposal since they had an opening bid worth £110m rejected at the start of August due to the strength of the Magpies' rebuttal.
However, it's said there's a 'suspicion' at St. James' Park that the Premier League champions will lodge another bid before September 1. The i Paper reckons that Newcastle won't sell Isak unless his price tag – which could be 'in excess of £150m' – is met.
While the Tyneside outfit are determined to hold onto the Sweden international, they reportedly require a 'big sale' in order to remain compliant with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The report adds that if Isak stays, someone else will have to be sold in the future.
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Speaking to reporters ahead of Newcastle's clash against Liverpool on Monday night, Eddie Howe confirmed that the Swede won't be in the matchday squad. The Magpies boss also commented on the standoff.
"My preference for these things is it doesn’t happen publicly because I think everything is better dealt with behind closed doors," said Howe. "But needs must, and this situation the club has spoken, and probably justifiably so in that moment."
The Newcastle boss added: "Yeah, of course [Isak can be reintegrated into the squad]. He’s contracted to us; he’s our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday night with us. But he won’t be, and that is regrettable at this moment. But 100%, I want to see him back in a Newcastle shirt."
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates the 4th goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at St James' Park on February 23, 2025
Alexander Isak during Newcastle United's clash against Nottingham Forest(Image: Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
On his relationship with Isak, Howe said: "I haven’t seen him this week, I don’t think. I saw him last week. When I see him, we speak as normal. There are no issues there between us.
"Of course, it’s a difficult situation from both sides. I can see it’s far from ideal for both parties, and that includes Alex and us. When we see each other, we’re fine and we speak.
"But as I say, I haven’t run into him this week. He’s training later on, detached from the group, and of course, then I’m in meetings and pulled all over the place during the day.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United (14) arrives for the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Chelsea FC at St James' Park on May 11, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Alexander Isak arrives at St James' Park for Newcastle United clash(Image: Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
"My days are chaotic because there is so much going on in them. But we will, I’m sure, catch up at some stage and hopefully speak soon."
According to our colleagues at the Chronicle, Isak is set to be asked to prepare for Newcastle's clash against Leeds United at Elland Road next week. The report claims that the Magpies have been priced out of moves for Jorgen Strand Larsen and Nicolas Jackson, potentially leaving Howe without a senior frontman.