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Alexander Isak faces an uncertain future.

(Image: Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow to their hopes of signing Alexander Isak.

The Newcastle United striker has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield this summer - as Arne Slot looks to strengthen his frontline before the new Premier League season.

The ECHO understands that the Magpies have long-since known about Isak's desire to leave St.

While the Sweden international now views Liverpool as his desired destination, he still has three years left on his contract, so a switch is by no means a formality.

It's understood that the Premier League champions remain interested in signing Isak, but they've recently taken a step back to see how his situation in Tyneside unfolds.

Liverpool are longer-term admirers of the 25-year-old, who could command a British record fee if he moves.

READ MORE:Liverpool path to Alexander Isak transfer now clear as Newcastle 'perform reluctant U-turn'READ MORE:Rodrygo to Liverpool transfer twist as 'offer made' amid Alexander Isak wildcard option claim

Unfortunately for Slot, Manchester United could derail the club's plan to snap-up Isak by beating Newcastle to his replacement - Benjamin Sesko.

According to The Athletic, the Red Devils have submitted an opening offer worth €75m (£65.1m), plus €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons, for the RB Leipzig striker.

The report claims that the Bundesliga outfit are yet to respond to United's offer.

It's said that Newcastle submitted an improved bid worth at least €80m (£69.5m) for Sesko on Monday after their opening offer was deemed 'insufficient' by Leipzig.

The Athletic reckons the Magpies have a longstanding interest in the Slovenia international - who was considered as a realistic replacement for Isak last month.

Liverpool officials will be hoping that Eddie Howe's side can beat United to a deal for Sesko in their own pursuit of the Swede.

Isak returned to the Newcastle training ground on Monday.

Speaking to Chronicle Live, Howe claimed that he had not spoken to the striker since the Reds lodged a bid.

"He’s like any other player, we would expect him to come in and train as normal," said the Magpies boss.

When asked if Liverpool had been in touch again, Howe said: "Not as far as I know."

The former Bournemouth manager went on: "You have to earn the right to train with us.

The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad - so you have to act in the right way."

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