Newcastle United owners stepped up efforts to resolve the Alexander Isak saga by holding private talks with the striker at his home on Monday, trying to convince him to stay put in Tyneside.
Co-owner Jamie Reuben and Newcastle director Jacobo Solis, representing the Public Investment Fund, met Isak in Northumberland hours before the club’s Premier League clash with Liverpool, according to Daily Mail.
The aim was to persuade the Sweden international to end his strike and return to Eddie Howe’s squad.
Isak, 25, has made clear his desire to leave and join Liverpool, but Newcastle have so far rejected the champions’ only bid of £110million. The club have also failed to meet their own conditions for a possible sale, which include signing two strikers before the end of the transfer window.
Newcastle’s stance hardened strongly since Isak released a public statement last week accusing the Magpies board of “broken promises” and declaring the relationship with the club could not continue.
Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan was present at St James’ Park for Monday’s 3–2 defeat to Liverpool, though he was not part of the delegation. He has reportedly given full backing to efforts to bring Isak back into the fold as the deadline approaches.
It is understood the discussions at Isak’s home included the prospect of a new contract if he comes back to Newcastle this season. Sources described the meeting as a step in the right direction, with the club’s preference still to keep their top scorer and reintegrate him into the squad. Whether or not Isak is open to such scenario is an entirely different matter.