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Exclusive with Graeme Bailey.

Liverpool have no intention of getting involved in a bidding war for Alexander Isak, but are not walking away from a deal, Rousing The Kop understands.

Newcastle rejected an opening offer from Liverpool for Isak on Friday.



RTK understands the total package of the bid was in the region of £120m.

The Magpies remain determined in their stance that Isak is not for sale, unless Liverpool are able to stump up the £150m they value their star striker at.

As things stand, RTK can reveal that Liverpool have no intention of paying the £150m asking price.

However, the Reds are willing to return to the table to negotiate with Newcastle, armed with the knowledge that Isak is committed to pushing for the move.



Photo by Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Despite reports to the contrary, Liverpool are not planning to give up on a deal to sign Isak.

But in order for the transfer – which would be a British record fee – to go through, there will need to be some compromise from Newcastle.

Nevertheless, RTK understand that Liverpool do intend to make a second formal offer for the 25-year-old.

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But given the respect between Richard Hughes, who is handling negotiations for Liverpool, and Eddie Howe who is playing a key role for the Magpies, neither club want the situation to become more tense than it already is.

According to RTK transfer expert Graeme Bailey, the relationship between Hughes and Howe could yet be key to a deal getting over the line, or not.

READ MORE: Whether Alexander Isak will report back to Newcastle for training on Monday

“Liverpool respect Newcastle and vice-versa, there is no getting away from that.

Neither club wants this to become a circus,” Bailey says.

“This is not over, indeed I still expect a few twists and turns – but one thing is for sure, Liverpool would not entertain going to £150m for Isak.

That is not going to happen.”

If Newcastle maintain that Liverpool will need to pay £150m to sign Isak this summer, then a transfer is highly unlikely to happen.

However, the Reds are understood to be willing to get closer to Newcastle’s lofty asking price.

Sources have indicated that Liverpool may be willing to go as high as a total package worth £140m to bring the Sweden international to Anfield, but are reluctant to go higher.

It remains to be seen whether Newcastle’s stance will soften, but for the moment they have been consistent in their messaging.
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