Alexander Isak to Liverpool transfer latest - Eddie Howe claim, Newcastle plan, offer chance
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Liverpool target Alexander Isak.(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)Liverpool approach the final week of the transfer window without having signed Alexander Isak.
Time is running out for Arne Slot to add the striker to his squad, while the wait falls on Newcastle United creating the conditions for a deal to take place.
Isak has now publicly stated he wants to leave Newcastle after a month of being on strike, meanwhile Liverpool have waited in the wings following the rejection of their £110m offer at the start of August.
Before the window opened it was widely reported the Reds' rivals were reluctant to losing a player who has scored 62 goals for them in three seasons, although the tone has gradually shifted over time.
There may still be some reluctance, though that would appear to be down to the fact they have been unable to recruit two strikers themselves this summer.
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Isak's actions have increased tensions on Tyneside - especially as the two clubs involved in a transfer saga are set to come to blows in the Premier League on Monday night.
Here, the ECHO takes a look at the latest news and rumours surrounding Isak's future;
While the Magpies have shown resistance when it comes to selling one striker, they have been left to consider another's departure in the final days of the transfer window.
Our colleagues at Chronicle Live have reported interest in William Osula from Bayer Leverkusen - as they want a season-long loan for the Denmark U21s international.
However, ultimately, the German outfit are getting the same answer as Liverpool - Newcastle will not consider moving any forwards on until they have completed two signings.
Osula, 22, has previously been below Isak and Callum Wilson in the striker's pecking order at St James' Park.
Eddie Howe is not convinced he's ready to play week-in, week-out, and so a loan may be beneficial.
Ultimately, the dire situation has called for a block, at least temporarily, of any loan exit for the season.
Howe has expressed his belief that Newcastle's owners will not 'green light' Isak's exit until suitable replacements have been brought in.
The manager was speaking to the press ahead of Liverpool's trip to St.
James' Park.
"I don't think the club will allow that situation to happen," said Howe.
"We certainly can't go through the season with no recognised striker at the football club, and that's no disrespect to Will Osula.
"I think he's doing really well - and he's also progressing really well - but he's got limited experience in the Premier League, although I'm really happy with his career progression.
"But Alex at the moment would be the only striker we have with Premier League history of goals and appearances and starts, so we can't leave ourselves in that position."
The reality of the situation is there is over a week for Premier League clubs to complete transfers, therefore Craig Hope - speaking on Sky Sports show Sunday Supplement - has admitted: "My information now is Alexander Isak is going nowhere.
"Does that mean it is the end of this?
It's almost we move on to the next chapter.
"This now is the stand-off - we've still got eight days to go."
Asked if there is a feasible chance Isak could join Liverpool, Hope added: "Yes, absolutely there is.
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"The club statement did leave the door ajar.
"If somehow Newcastle did bring in those two strikers who they thought were palatable replacements for Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, coupled with Liverpool turning up to the table as I've touched on this before, Liverpool didn't come this far just to walk away.
"Absolutely I think they would come back with an acceptable offer, yes there would be movement."