Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak before the summer transfer window closes on September 1
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Liverpool still retain an interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak this summer. The Sweden international returned to England this week, having spent time training with his former club Real Sociedad while his Newcastle teammates were on their pre-season tour.
Liverpool have already had an offer turned down for the striker who is keen to leave, with reports indicating that the Magpies would need to find a replacement and receive a satisfactory bid before agreeing to a sale.
Benjamin Sesko was viewed as a potential replacement for the Swede, and Newcastle’s second offer for the Slovenian was accepted. However, they face competition from Manchester United, and the 22-year-old has reportedly expressed a clear desire to join the Red Devils instead.
Below is all the latest on Isak’s potential move to Anfield this summer.
Bid rejected
Liverpool put in a £110million bid for the 25-year-old which was swiftly rejected. As it stands, the Reds side will not be returning with an improved bid.
£150m claim
According to Sky Sports, Newcastle value Isak at £150m and will try and hold out for that figure if anyone tests their resolve. However, Isaks’ agitation for a move away from Tyneside may reduce some of their leverage.
According to Transfermarkt, Isak’s market value is £103.6m (€120m).
Howe warning
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe insists Alexander Isak must take responsibility after being banished to train on his own.
While Howe has not directly criticised Isak in public, last weekend, he made it clear how irked he’s been at recent events, announcing he must earn the right to train with the squad again.
“The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad and you have to act in the right way,” he said. “No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.”
Isak breaks cover
Liverpool-linked Alexander Isak has arrived back in England as he returns to training with Newcastle United (Image: PA)
Isak was pictured arriving arriving for training at the Newcastle United Training Centre on Wednesday. The Sweden international trained alone and was told to get treatment on the thigh injury that led to him missing his club’s pre-season trip to South Korea and Singapore.
The club confirmed that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was set to hold a barbecue for player families and staff later on in the day but a claim from Sky Sports suggested that Isak headed to the training ground after the social event. The Chronicle reports that Howe had face-to-face talks with the striker and the club plan to make him play in the weekend friendly against Espanyol depending on fitness levels.
Carragher issue
Jamie Carragher has told Liverpool not to spend £150m on Isak.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, Carragher said: “He (Isak) will be an amazing signing but from a fan’s point of view for myself, I don’t want Liverpool to spend £150m on Isak. There’s something about Liverpool buying another striker (Ekitike), and he’s backup. Something about it doesn’t feel right to me.
“I look at Isak, and he’s obviously thrown his toys out the pram once Arsenal signed a striker and Liverpool signed a striker. It feels a bit messy to me now.
“For me, when I think of Liverpool, it doesn’t look really planned. I don’t think the plan is to buy a striker for £80m, and then be looking to buy another one for £120m.
“In terms of what Liverpool have done in the summer by bringing in players, they’ve spent a lot of money and it doesn’t feel like the Liverpool way of doing things so much.”
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