Despite Liverpool pushing ahead to try and sign Hugo Ekitike this summer, they are not quite ready to give up on Alexander Isak just yet.

Isak has emerged as a dream target for the Reds as they attempt to address their lack of a prolific centre-forward.

Liverpool made an approach to Newcastle for the Swede earlier this week, but have been met with resistance from the Magpies, who do not want to sell.

However, as Rousing The Kop exclusively revealed on Friday, Liverpool have not left the table for Isak.

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The Reds plan on maintaining their interest in the 25-year-old right up until the point at which he signs a new contract to stay at Newcastle.

And according to the latest news coming out of the north east, that is not likely to be any time soon.

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There must have been huge relief on Tyneside when Liverpool accelerated talks to sign Ekitike in midweek.

But it seems that Newcastle fans may have to wait a fair bit longer to be assured of Isak’s future at St James’ Park.

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According to The Athletic, the Magpies have run into a ‘problem’ in their contract negotiations with the Sweden international.

The issue reportedly stems from the fact that Isak is already one of the club’s top earners, but he and his agents are looking for a bigger packet after his development into one of the best strikers in Europe.

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Isak’s salary demands are expected to be ‘vast’ and it is claimed that Newcastle ‘cannot afford to massively increase his wages.’ Furthermore, no ‘material progress’ is said to have been made in talks so far.

Should the Magpies cave and give Isak what he is looking for, they may reportedly have to trim the wage bill and make some sales in order to remain PSR compliant.

As well as carrying an update on Isak’s contract negotiations, The Athletic also reiterate that Newcastle are absolutely not intending to sell the striker this summer.

It is claimed that whether Liverpool continue their pursuit of him or not following the expected capture of Ekitike, Newcastle have maintained that Isak is not for sale.

This message is said to have come ‘from the very top’ of the club, and is repeated several times.

Nevertheless, it is conceded that if a contract cannot be agreed for Isak – as currently looks likely – then Newcastle may consider selling the former Real Sociedad hitman next summer.
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