Liverpool and Newcastle on Alexander Isak stand off as factors for fresh bid outlined

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‘The situation is tense’ – Newcastle and Liverpool locked in stand-off over Alexander Isak

Martha Riley

5 – 6 minutes

Alexander Isak is still Liverpool’s top priority, despite negotiations with Newcastle reaching a standstill.

The Swedish superstar has been the transfer saga of the summer, who has made himself unavailable for the Magpies since the Reds’ £110million offer for him was rejected.

Alexander Isak is digging his heels in as he targets a move to Liverpool

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Alexander Isak is digging his heels in as he targets a move to LiverpoolCredit: Getty

Isak is currently training away from Eddie Howe’s first-team squad, and it is believed he has no intentions to reintegrate himself.

talkSPORT understands the 25-year-old is so determined to force through a transfer to Liverpool that he will refuse to play again for Newcastle even if he is not sold this summer.

Despite this, negotiations are no further forward over a move to Anfield, with the Premier League champions yet to make another offer.

What is the latest on Alexander Isak?

talkSPORT’s transfer reporter Ben Jacobs insists the Isak saga is far from over, as the Reds continue to watch things unfold from afar.

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Sharing an update on the ongoing situation, Jacobs revealed that Liverpool will only submit a second bid for the striker if other factors come together to encourage this.

He said: “The situation is quite tense between Newcastle and Alexander Isak.

“And from Liverpool’s perspective, they’re very much just watching it play out from afar. At the moment, there’s been a relative radio silence between Liverpool and Newcastle.

“Liverpool haven’t walked away – Isak is their top priority. They’re all in on him, if it’s possible, between now and the end of the window.

“But they also don’t want to formally bid again since seeing an offer of £110m rejected, unless they’re given encouragement.”

What could make an Isak move more likely?

While Newcastle are thought to want £150m for Isak, Jacobs insisted neither of the two clubs have actually agreed on this as an asking price, with Liverpool prepared to bid a British transfer record fee, but below the huge reported figure.

Newcastle United’s Swedish striker #14 Alexander Isak celebrates scoring the team’s first goal during the English League Cup round of 16 football match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on October 30, 2024. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

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Isak scored 23 Premier League goals last seasonCredit: Getty

Liverpool have already broken the British transfer record this summer, signing Florian Wirtz in a £116m deal

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Liverpool have already broken the British transfer record this summer, signing Florian Wirtz in a £116m dealCredit: Getty

He continued: “So what does encouragement look like?

“Some have suggested the offer just needs to be higher. Although, to my knowledge, Liverpool and Newcastle have never acknowledged to each other this so-called asking price of £150m.

“I think Liverpool’s perspective would be to try and get Isak cheaper than that, but still naturally at a British transfer record.”

What is the latest on Yoane Wissa?

Newcastle’s current stance on Isak could be changed by the arrival of replacements, including Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.

talkSPORT understands the DR Congo international’s move to St James’ Park is set to accelerate this weekend after the Bees agreed a £42.5m deal with Bournemouth for Dango Ouattara, who is believed to be his replacement.

Wissa has been training alone and pushing for a transfer after the Magpies first two bids for him were rejected, including one worth an initial £30m plus £5m in potential add-ons.

Yoane Wissa now looks set to join Newcastle, after netting 19 Premier League goals for Brentford last term

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Yoane Wissa now looks set to join Newcastle, after netting 19 Premier League goals for Brentford last termCredit: Getty

Jacobs explained: “Some say encouragement will come in the form of Newcastle getting replacements in.

“The likely arrival of Yoane Wissa could be seen as one positive.

“And some say encouragement just has to come because Isak is effectively forcing his way, and quite aggressively, out of the club.

“And Newcastle have their own version of this, where Yoane Wissa has pushed for the last few weeks to leave Brentford, and eventually got his wish.”

When could Isak join Liverpool?

Should a Liverpool exit be agreed for Isak, one thing Newcastle are keen to avoid is an immediate reunion.

The two sides will meet in the Premier League at St James’ Park on August 25, with the potential for an incredibly hostile reception for the forward if he is on the away team.

Ben Jacobs gave an update on the summer’s ongoing transfer saga

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Ben Jacobs gave an update on the summer’s ongoing transfer saga

And according to Jacobs, while the Toon Army are hoping to delay a move long enough to prevent this, he refused to rule out an end to the saga coming in the meantime.

He said: “Newcastle United will not want Alexander Isak to go in the coming hours or days and be available to make his debut at St James’ Park wearing a red Liverpool shirt – that seems like an unthinkable scenario.”

But Jacobs added: “It’s not to say that negotiations couldn’t happen now, especially with Wissa expected to join Newcastle.

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“It’s not to say that the encouragement might not be given in the coming days.

“But it is probably to say that both clubs don’t want that fixture to be a circus.”

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