(Credit: Imago/Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Alex Oakhill

Wed 6 August 2025 15:41, UK

Newcastle United could force Alexander Isak to stay this summer even if they receive an improved offer from Liverpool.

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Arne Slot’s side are working on a deal to sign Isak and had a package worth £120million, made up of a £110m bid plus add-ons, rejected by Newcastle last week (August 1).

The Sweden international refused to go on the Magpies’ pre-season tour of Asia, instead returning to former club Real Sociedad to train alone.

Isak did report back to training earlier this week (4 August), but is reportedly still desperate to make the move to Anfield.

However, Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Newcastle may force their star striker to stay for another season.

Liverpool are favourites to land Alexander Isak (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen CEO.

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Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Isak’s switch to Liverpool hinges on whether Newcastle are able to secure the signing of Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko had looked set to make the move to St James’ Park, but the RB Leipzig striker would reportedly prefer a move to Manchester United, who have made a £73million bid.

Wyness added that Newcastle will not let Isak go if they don’t manage to bring in the Slovenia international.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think this is the big one of the year, isn’t it?

“It’s with Newcastle.

If they get Sesko, and we know they’re pushing very hard to get Sesko, then the deal will get done with Isak.

Without that, I think they’re covering their bets to try and keep Isak, cover themselves for this season.

So it’s as simple as that, as to whether those deals will get done.”

Sesko may snub Newcastle for Man United (Credit: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Newcastle have reportedly set their sights on Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke after failing in attempts to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who claims that the Magpies have been keeping a close eye on the 25-year-old.

Eddie Howe is determined to strengthen his defensive unit this summer and views Van Hecke as one of his top targets due to his performances in the Premier League.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Guehi has his heart set on joining Liverpool and will snub the Magpies’ offer should they return with a fresh move.

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