Liverpool are cutting it incredibly fine in their pursuit to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
The Reds have long since made their interest in Isak known to Newcastle, with the Swede doing his utmost to make the move happen.
But with the transfer window closing on Monday, Liverpool are in danger of not getting their man.
On Saturday, journalist David Ornstein reported a ‘growing expectation’ that Isak would end up at Liverpool, but with no further movement throughout the day, fans are starting to get nervous.
Nevertheless, no news is potentially good news and there is still plenty of time for things to get over the line.
With that in mind, Liverpool-based reporter Paul Joyce has shared the Reds’ clear idea on how much they believe Isak is worth ahead of the feted second bid.
Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring for Newcastle United against Ipswich Town in the Premier League at St James' Park.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Liverpool will not pay over £120m for Alexander Isak
Throughout the summer, and even before, there had been a feeling that Newcastle would want as much as £150m to sell Isak.
After Liverpool made an opening offer of £110m at the beginning of August, it felt as though the Magpies would potentially hold out for that figure.
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However, just because Newcastle value Isak at such a high asking price, it does not mean Liverpool are obliged to offer it.
And according to Joyce in The Times, the Reds believe £120m is a ‘fair price’ for the 25-year-old.
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Liverpool are said to be unwilling to ‘bid against themselves’ for Isak, knowing full well that he wants to join them and them only.
With the Reds keen to only go as high as £120m, it is claimed they will not even push the envelope to £130m.
Will Newcastle accept £120m?
Right from the beginning of Liverpool’s interest in Isak this summer, there were reports that they were willing to pay £120m for Isak.
Clearly, with the Sweden international kicking up such a fuss to get his move to Anfield, they do not believe his valuation has suddenly shot up.
Nevertheless, Liverpool need to make sure they do not upset Newcastle by bidding too far below their valuation so close to the deadline.
If the Magpies are not happy, they can shut the door on the deal and leave Liverpool high and dry.
Given the £150m figure was only ever a number released in certain sections of the press and never seemingly a set price, though, perhaps Newcastle will also see it as a fair price for a player who is simply desperate to leave.