Newcastle United and Liverpool are set for a dramatic showdown over Alexander Isak in the final days of the window.
Liverpool are reportedly laser-focused in their attempt to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
Despite an opening bid being rejected almost a month ago, the Reds have not pursued other transfer targets. Toon chiefs have maintained a hardball stance while failing to land a potential replacement - namely Benjamin Sesko.
A replacement for Callum Wilson has been the priority, with offers turned down for Yoane Wissa and Jorge Strand Larsen. Meanwhile, Isak has continued to down tools by training alone and refusing to play for the Magpies.
Eddie Howe gives Alexander Isak update
Eddie Howe called for “clarity” on the Isak situation after the Liverpool defeat. His comments came on a day when a PIF delegation visited the Swede for crunch talks, with chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan also attending the fixture at St James’ Park.
“The ideal (situation) from everyone is we want clarity,’ Howe said. ‘We want the narrative to change. His (Al-Ruamayyan’s) presence is much appreciated from my perspective. He is the owner, he is the most important person in terms of any decisions we make.”
Fabrizio Romano gives Alexander Isak update
Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano has reiterated that Isak’s desire is to join Liverpool. He told his YouTube channel. “Alexander Isak insists on his position, on his desire, on his clear view - he wants to go to Liverpool.
“So despite the efforts from important, really important people at Newcastle, the message coming from the player, from his agent in this direct contact he's having with the most important people into the board, into the management of Newcastle United is that he wants to go to Liverpool. He wants to play for Liverpool.
“And you know after weeks and weeks and weeks to take this position even with a few days before the end of the transfer window in front of the most important people at Newcastle, well it's showing how Alexander Isak is really not changing his point. So let’s see what's going to happen.”
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Liverpool ‘not advancing’ other options
“Liverpool remain there,” Romano added. “Liverpool are still not advancing on other options. Liverpool are still having a total focus, today (Tuesday) at least. Then Liverpool can't wait forever. That's also clear. At some point they need a striker. So if it's not going to be Isak, they will need to look at the market.
“Liverpool will maintain their total focus on Alexander Isak. They want to go for Alexander Isak. They consider Alexander Isak, I told you several times, the perfect opportunity, the perfect striker, a big chance on the market with no competition basically.
“Because for financial reasons, for technical reasons, for whatever reason, the player is not negotiating with any other club - only Liverpool. So it's their chance. It's a big opportunity to become the new striker, one of the best strikers around to wear the Liverpool shirt. So let's follow that situation. Let's see what happens.”
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