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Liverpool’s pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has ground to a halt amid a tense stand-off that shows no sign of resolution.

Despite the Sweden international’s  desire to join the Reds, Newcastle’s hierarchy have resolutely refused to sell, leaving Isak training apart from the first-team and Liverpool evaluating their next bid.

In early August, Liverpool tabled an opening offer worth £110 million for the 25-year-old striker, only for Newcastle to rebuff it outright, instead placing a valuation closer to £150 million.

Isak, under contract at St James’ Park until 2028, therefore finds himself in a difficult position, with Newcastle under no financial pressure to bow to external interest.

Frustration over the failed move has spilled into Newcastle’s pre-season preparations.

Isak missed the side’s tour of Asia, was ostracised by manager Eddie Howe, and has been instructed to train away from his team-mates pending clarity on his future.

With Newcastle’s Premier League opener at Aston Villa looming, Isak will sit out once more, while the club’s second fixture brings Liverpool to Tyneside on August 25, a match now laden with added venom.

And it looks like Isak’s stance is unwavering.

According to Ben Jacobs for GIVEMESPORT, Alexander Isak is only willing to return to Newcastle’s plans or commit to a new contract if Liverpool make it clear to him that a transfer this summer is completely off the table:

“Alexander Isak will only consider reintegrating at Newcastle or signing a new deal if Liverpool directly inform him a deal is impossible this summer,” wrote Jacobs.

“Liverpool are prepared to bid again, but only if Newcastle make it clear they are not wasting their time?

The Reds have already had a £110m offer rejected.”

“The emphatic and quick nature of the rebuttal caught Liverpool by surprise given Newcastle had intimated they would engage.”

“Newcastle sources claim the offer was below their expectations, and south of the £120m figure Liverpool had stated they would be prepared to offer.”

“Yet Liverpool insiders insist it was intended as a starting point and to offer £110m-fixed can hardly be seen as a derisory bid.”

Should Newcastle secure alternative striking options, the path to Anfield may finally clear for Isak; otherwise, the Sweden international faces the prospect of a protracted wait at St James’ Park.

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