Liverpool’s rebuild under new head coach Arne Slot is already in motion.

They’ve added Hugo Ekitike to the squad — a young forward with promise, but not yet proven in the Premier League.

Still, the club knows one new striker won’t be enough if they’re going to compete on all fronts this season.

That’s where Alexander Isak comes in.

Eddie Howe breaks silence on Liverpool Alexander Isak transfer bid as 'difficult' admission made	Eddie Howe breaks silence on rejected Liverpool bid for Alexander Isak	Alexander Isak transfer news after Liverpool bid, Eddie Howe admission and potential boost

Despite already having Ekitike and other attacking options, Liverpool made a bold move for the Newcastle United striker.

At 25, Isak has shown he can lead the line in England, and his mix of pace, control, and finishing would bring immediate quality to Anfield.

But Newcastle United weren’t having it.

Their response was firm.

They turned down Liverpool’s first offer, reportedly around £110million, calling it well below their valuation.

The Magpies want closer to £150million and won’t be rushed into selling one of their most prized players.

Meanwhile, Isak is pushing for the move.

He refused to travel with the team for pre-season and is currently training on his own in Spain at his former club, Real Sociedad.

Newcastle fans aren’t happy, and there’s a real sense that the relationship may be breaking down.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, speaking to the press during the club’s pre-season tour of South Korea, addressed the situation.

He confirmed that Liverpool’s bid was rejected and that he wasn’t directly involved in the talks.

“I was made aware of a bid yesterday and that bid was turned down, all before I’d even heard about it,” Howe said.

“People back in England are dealing with the situation.”

He also admitted things aren’t straightforward.

“I 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,” he added.

“I know where he is, really, through the media.”

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

“The situation is far from ideal and is quite complex.”

Howe also made it clear that Newcastle are focused on keeping things respectful and professional.

“In terms of trying to upset players and all that kind of stuff, from my perspective, we can only talk about our conduct.”

“We try to do things in the right way.

Signing players is always complex.”

“We just try to do what we think is right.”

“I can’t talk about other clubs, that’s not for me to say.”

From Liverpool’s end, the big question is whether they’ll return with an improved offer — or if the £150million price tag is simply too steep, even with Isak pushing for the move.

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