Alexander Isak held a meeting with Newcastle‘s owners on Monday as they unsuccessfully attempted to convince him to U-turn on his desire to leave.
Isak was absent from St James’ Park on Monday night as his current club Newcastle lost 3-2 to suitors Liverpool, but he was still in the northeast.
Widespread reports revealed a meeting took place at the striker’s home in Northumberland involving Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben and a representative from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Their hope was to convince Isak to scale down his attempts to force a transfer and commit his immediate future to the club, reintegrating with the squad.
But the Chronicle‘s Lee Ryder reports that their efforts with unsuccessful, with the Swede reiterating his desire to move on and join Liverpool.
Newcastle united's new signing jamaal Lascelles celebrates scoring his first goal.
Liverpool’s last formal approach for Isak was over three weeks ago, with a £110 million bid rejected at the very beginning of August.
Their interest remains, but in the knowledge that Newcastle must first source replacements not only for Isak but also the departed Callum Wilson.
This has proved fruitless so far despite advances for the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and more recently Brentford‘s Yoane Wissa and Wolves‘ Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Brentford are however now targeting Dortmund’s Max Beier, according to Sky Sports, which could then pave the way for Wissa’s exit.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 25, 2024: Brentford's Yoane Wissa during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Meanwhile, The Athletic‘s Chris Waugh reports that Newcastle are still hopeful of a deal for Larsen, with the club under the impression they held positive discussions with Wolves.
Interestingly Waugh adds that Newcastle could now be willing to pursue a straight loan or loan-to-buy deal for a new striker, highlighting their desperation in the market.
That would not indicate a confidence that Isak will stay, nor appear to rule out a sale, though clearly Liverpool will still need to improve on their £110 million offer.
A face-to-face meeting between Newcastle‘s owners and their No. 14 resembled something of a last-ditch attempt to change his mind, but with that having failed – according to Ryder – the landscape could quickly shift.
Developments can be expected following the meeting between the two sides on the pitch at St James’ Park, though there is now less than a week to go until the transfer window closes.
Isak will hope to be wearing Liverpool red after the 7pm deadline on Monday, with it clear he has his heart set on Anfield.