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Liverpool have been told that Alexander Isak remains a viable target for them, but that any deal hinges on Newcastle United.
Newcastle have publicly stated that Isak is not up for sale, taking a hard-line approach on the player by forcing him to train away from the first team.
Eddie Howe has previously indicated that he doubts the Magpies have the power to force the 25-year-old to remain at the club, despite Champions League football this season.
Speaking to the media, Howe was asked if Newcastle are able to force Isak to stay.
He replied: “If we could do that, we’d have done it a long time ago. I don’t think we’re in a position to be able to do that currently. I don’t want to go into too much detail and I think I’ve probably said enough.”
Transfer insider Ben Jacobs has given details of where a deal for Isak currently lies, with the CBS expert assuring Liverpool that the deal is not dead.
What’s happening with Alexander Isak?
Taking to X, Jacobs has explained that Liverpool have not made a second bid after their initial approach of €127m (£110m) was rejected.
“Liverpool view situation as similar to Anthony Gordon last summer. #NUFC first indicated they would be open to a deal due to their PSR issues, only to sell Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh instead,” he adds.
“When Liverpool approached later in that window, Newcastle were no longer willing sellers.”
Jacobs writes that the Reds were given encouragement by their Premier League rivals to make a bid for Isak.
He says: “Understand Newcastle had indicated a willingness to engage on Isak, so Liverpool made their bid. It was made with optimism, which is why the strong and quick rejection was a surprise.
“Now that it has been rebuffed, Liverpool will not engage without encouragement.
“They haven’t walked away, and the saga is not yet over. But Liverpool only want to bid again if Newcastle make it clear they are not wasting their time. Should a new bid arrive, both clubs must be on the same page and then an exit is likely.”
Newcastle are reportedly seeking a record fee of €170m for Isak, but there has been no indication that Liverpool are ready to pay such a sum.
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