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Liverpool have quietly maintained a long-standing interest in Newcastle’s prolific striker Alexander Isak, who has informed the Magpies of his desire to explore a summer exit.
Despite Anfield’s record spending this window—already topping £300 million—the Reds view the Sweden international as the ideal focal point to complement Mohamed Salah.
Newcastle’s firm £150 million valuation has so far deterred formal bids, but Isak’s absence from pre-season tours has intensified speculation that Liverpool could rekindle negotiations at a British-record fee.
A deal for the 25-year-old would underscore Liverpool’s ambition to bolster their title-defending attack.
And it seems that the Geordie club are well are that the Merseyside giants could table a formal bid soon.
Newcastle United have placed the power over Alexander Isak’s future squarely in the hands of chairman Yasir -Rumayyan and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) – the owners of the club.
Despite reports of Isak’s desire to consider his options amid Liverpool’s interest, the Magpies insist their 27-year-old striker remains “not for sale.”
Telegraph Sport reports that Al-Rumayyan – who rarely intervenes in day-to-day affairs – will personally oversee any decision on Isak, rather than delegate to manager Eddie Howe or Newcastle’s football directors.
Liverpool signalled last week they would be willing to pay a British-record £120 million for the Sweden international, but Newcastle’s valuation is at least £150 million.
Behind the scenes, the club has sounded out RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško as a potential replacement or partner for Isak next season, though no formal bid has been made.
With three years remaining on his contract, Newcastle believe they hold the upper hand – especially now that the chairman and PIF are united in their stance to keep hold of their star man.
Some of the Newcastle players were quizzed on all the speculation in Singapore this week, with Dan Burn saying:
“Listen, everyone’s entitled to their own opinion.
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