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Liverpool saw a bid rejected for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak on Friday.(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak burst into life on Friday as the Reds launched an official bid for the Newcastle United star.

The Reds' offer came after weeks of interest which, according to reports, led to anger from their counterparts in the North East over the delay in entering negotiations.

The Premier League champions continue their efforts to add reinforcements after their domestic success last term and despite already smashing a club-record to sign Florian Wirtz, it appears they aren't done yet.



Liverpool saw their bid rejected by Newcastle on Friday as the Sweden international trains away from the North East.

The 25-year-old is currently preparing for the forthcoming Premier League campaign at the training base of his former club Real Sociedad.

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It comes after Isak was sent home early from their camp in Scotland, before he wasn't on the plane for the Magpies' tour of the Far East in order to recover from a 'minor' thigh injury.

The ECHO has taken a look at the latest Alexander Isak reports.

The ECHO reported yesterday that Liverpool are currently not intending to submit a second bid after seeing their first offer knocked back.

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Liverpool consider it futile to return to the table with an improved offer given the Magpies' swiftness and clarity in their rejection.

It has been reported that Isak has asked to leave St James' Park following interest from Liverpool but Newcastle have been adamant throughout the summer that he is not for sale, a stance which would have to change before the Reds consider a U-turn and re-enter negotiations.

However, this was before the bombshell reports from Slovenia which were somewhat reiterated across Europe.

According to Slovenian outlet Delo, Newcastle have won the race to sign Benjamin Sesko, despite reports this week that Manchester United were advancing in a deal for the 22-year-old

It has been claimed that the RB Leipzig forward has opted to move to the Magpies despite interest from Manchester United.

They add that the move could be between €70m (£61m) and €80m (£69m).

Sascha Tavolieri followed up to claim that Newcastle had significantly improved their personal terms offer with the fee for the striker said to be around €90m (£78m).

The Daily Mail's Craig Hope added that the North East club presented a package and vision for the player but await his decision with United also in the hunt.

He adds that the decision over his future hasn't been communicated.

The Chronicle reported that Newcastle have been steadfast in their stance that Isak is not for sale but they may talk business at £150m but would then be left with a race against time to find the right replacement.

Reports elsewhere have suggested that the Magpies will not sanction an exit for their record signing without a replacement already lined up.

It poses the question that should Sesko make the switch to Newcastle, would it open the door to Liverpool making a record-breaking move for Isak.

Speaking on Saturday ahead of Newcastle's upcoming pre-season friendly, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe confirmed he found out about Isak's whereabouts via the media after it emerged he was in Spain.

"I know where he is, really, through the media," he said.

"From that perspective, it’s difficult for me to go into any kind of detail.

The situation is far from ideal & is quite complex."

The former Bournemouth manager admitted that he is unsure what happens next after Liverpool's bid for Isak was rejected.

He added: "From my situation I am very much removed from what was happening back home.

"I was made aware of a bid yesterday and that bid was turned down all before I even heard about.

"People back in England are dealing with the situation.

"I really don't know what happens next.

From our perspective, we still support Alex in every way, and my wish is that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again."

Howe failed to be drawn on the developments overnight but reaffirmed that they are looking to add the best players that they can get after missing out on their targets.

He said: "I am sorry to sound like a broken record, I am aware of what is happening but I am not dealing with it.

I woke up today and had two training sessions then came straight here.

"I am finding out what is happening after it has happened, so we will try to bring the best to the football club - I will make that clear - but I can't talk about individual targets.

"We are looking at the best players we can get," Howe added.

"We are only looking at the best we can get, I see all situations open and available to us.
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