According to several reports, Isak wants to leave Newcastle – and now there has been a major update on Liverpool’s pursuit of the striker.
Journalist Craig Hope has given a new update on Newcastle striker Alexander Isak’s potential move to Liverpool.
Isak has been linked with a move to Anfield for much of the summer, and it was reported earlier this month that Arne Slot’s team had preliminary talks about his availability.
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The situation took a significant turn on Thursday, when The Athletic reported that the Swedish international had asked to leave the club.
This news came hours after Liverpool had completed the signing of fellow striker Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt.
The Reds have now spent well over £200 million this summer, although part of that amount has been covered by player sales – including Trent Alexander-Arnold’s £10 million move to Real Madrid.
On Sunday, BBC Sport reported that Bayern Munich had agreed with Liverpool on a transfer fee of £65.5 million for Luis Diaz.
This will give Liverpool more financial leeway – if necessary – to complete a deal for Isak, but they are also likely to seek a replacement for Diaz.
However, North East England football expert Hope, writing for the Daily Mail, claims that Newcastle are now “preparing” a formal bid from Liverpool for Isak.
It is added that the Newcastle management do not want to lose their best players, but there is said to be “divided opinion” within the club on whether they should negotiate a sale or reject all offers for their star player.
Isak is not part of Newcastle’s pre-season trip to South Korea, and the club states that he has a minor thigh injury.
The 25-year-old will not be available for any part of the training camp – making it unclear whether he has played his last game for the Carabao Cup winners.
Isak scored 23 goals in the Premier League last season, a record only beaten by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Their second-best scorer was Harvey Barnes with nine goals – underlining the challenge Eddie Howe’s side will face if they have to replace their main attacking player.
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