Alexander Isak wants to make the move to Liverpool but Newcastle are still desperately trying to keep hold of him.

The Reds’ pursuit of Isak has been one of the most public transfer sagas in recent history, with the story seeming to take a twist or turn every day.

Things are starting to accelerate, however, with the Swede insisting he will never play for Newcastle again, indicating that the Magpies will now be somewhat forced into selling.

They still want to find a replacement before letting him leave, though, with there still a chance that the 25-year-old does not get his desired move.

Sources: Liverpool identify Premier League striker as Alexander Isak alternative	Alexander Isak has played every transfer hit - Liverpool need clear amid £150m waiting game	Alexander Isak has played every transfer hit - Liverpool's need clear amid £150m waiting game

But Isak himself is not giving up, with the striker said to be waiting for Liverpool to do something first before giving up hope.



Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Throughout this saga, it seemed to be Newcastle who held all the cards and were the only ones with the power to change the outcome.

However, the tides might be changing and Liverpool’s position seems to get stronger by the minute due to the messiness of the situation, with Isak trying to regain some control over his future now.

And, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, the Swede is refusing to give up hope on a move to Anfield until Liverpool themselves personally tell him that it is not plausible.

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“I’m told about Isak regarding a potential new deal at Newcastle that he will not engage with them or discuss it until Liverpool tell him first and directly that they are out and will not make a bid,” Jacobs told talkSPORT.

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“This isn’t about Newcastle telling Alexander Isak ‘you’re stuck here so you need to sign a new deal’, as has been suggested in the last 24-48 hours, Isak wants that communication from Liverpool to say ‘we’re out, it’s not possible’.

“If he does not hear that from Liverpool, then he will not engage to try and find a solution around reintegration or a new contract at Newcastle.”

Of course, the situation for the Magpies is getting close to untenable, something that will only play into the Reds’ hands and indicate that a move is closer than ever.

The Reds have already had one bid rejected for Isak earlier in the window worth £110m plus add-ons, with the speed in which this was turned down coming as a shock to those higher up at Anfield.

However, reports suggest that Liverpool will not have to go much higher in order to sign Isak if Newcastle do let him go, with journalist Alex Crook stating that they will not get £150m for their star man.

“I’ve said all along that Newcastle will not get the £150m they want from Liverpool,” he told talkSPORT.

“My sources at Anfield have confirmed they won’t go as high as that, in fact they think the first offer they put in was reasonable and close to the number Newcastle have indicated privately that they will be willing to accept.”

It is certainly a saga that will not be resolved before the new season rolls around, but it is definitely an exciting story to keep an eye on given the fact Liverpool travel to Newcastle in gameweek two.
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