Liverpool are yet to blink in the saga of Alexander Isak’s potential record transfer from Newcastle United.

The Reds saw Isak stay behind as his teammates travelled to Singapore, in what was undoubtedly a positive development on Thursday.

Isak then asked to leave Newcastle, putting Liverpool on red alert over a move to Anfield.

However, things have not stepped forward since, with the Magpies seemingly attempting to wrangle back control of the situation.

Alexander Isak to Liverpool transfer latest - Newcastle stance, Eddie Howe update, wage demands	Alexander Isak tells Newcastle he wants to explore a transfer away - opening the door to Liverpool's £150m interest after he reported a thigh injury and missed Far East pre-season tour	Alan Shearer makes 'ridiculous' Alexander Isak point as Liverpool handed £150m transfer verdict

Newcastle have so far been determined in their stance that Isak is not for sale.

But with the player now publicly trying to force an exit, that position could soon be tested in the extreme.

The expectation is that Liverpool are the only club in the running for Isak, and as they watch things unfold on Tyneside, they are reportedly making something clear behind closed doors.

Photo by Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Eddie Howe gave an update on Isak on Saturday morning, speaking out to confirm that ‘things are going on behind the scenes.’

Quite what the Newcastle manager meant by that remains to be seen, although he did confirm that no talks over a new contract for Isak are ongoing.

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According to The Times, though, the Magpies are maintaining their stance that despite this, the Swede is simply not for sale.

It is claimed that senior officials at Newcastle are insisting that a bid has not arrived from Liverpool and that it will be given short shrift if it does.

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From the Reds’ point of view, they are said to be ‘privately insisting’ that they will only make an offer for Isak – who is valued at £150m – if given ‘encouragement’ by Newcastle.

Liverpool are claimed to have put in one phone call 11 days ago over Isak, but are said to have been undeterred by Newcastle’s firm stance.

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old is reportedly holding out to earn 300k-per-week in order to sign a new contract, and is said to believe he can realistically bank this sum if he joins Liverpool.

If Liverpool are waiting for Newcastle’s stance to soften on Isak, then that simply may never arrive.

Instead, we’d argue that this is merely the Reds being courteous to their Premier League rivals, and allowing them to speak to their player first, and hopefully leave on good terms.

Whether Newcastle are giving encouragement or not, we’d expect Liverpool to test their resolve with a big bid or not.

That’s because all the signs point to Isak making a clear decision that he wants this move.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Sweden international is ‘dreaming’ of playing for Liverpool.

“Forget about Chelsea, forget about Manchester United, I’m not aware of Al Hilal working on a deal for Alexander Isak,” Romano told his YouTube channel late on Friday night.

“The focus of the player in terms of dream move is Liverpool.

His dream is Liverpool.

Now it depends on the club, because Isak informed Newcastle about his desire.

Liverpool can be ready to jump into it very strong with a bid.”


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