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Sky Sports News have confirmed a boost to Liverpool’s chances of signing Alexander Isak this summer.

The situation at St James’ Park has reached a critical point, with manager Eddie Howe acknowledging that Alexander Isak cannot currently participate in first-team activities.

Since returning from an unauthorized absence during Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia, Isak has been training separately from his teammates.

Additionally, he did not take part in any of Newcastle’s matches at the recent Sela Cup over the weekend.

Should Liverpool’s second bid be accepted, Isak would surpass Florian Wirtz (signed for €125 million) as the Premier League’s most expensive player, underscoring the enormous financial commitment required to secure his signature.

Newcastle’s reluctance to negotiate hinges on finding a suitable replacement?

The Magpies have targeted Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and are understood to be close to a deal for Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey.

But it seems that the transfer dominoes could finally fall in the last few weeks of the window.

Sky Sports have reported that Eddie Howe’s side are expected to now move quickly for Wissa with Bournemouth now finalizing their own replacement in Dango Ouattara:

“Newcastle are expected to move quickly on a deal for Yoane Wissa after Brentford complete the signing of Dango Ouattara.”

“Sky Sports News understands Wissa’s representatives – who are in the UK – were assured Brentford would engage with Newcastle if there was movement on forward reinforcements.”

However, they caveat the report with the fact that Ouattara is more seen as a replacement for Bryan Mbuemo:

“Ouattara is seen by Brentford as the replacement for Bryan Mbeumo, however, so Ouattara’s arrival does not guarantee that Wissa will now be sold.”

“The clubs still need to agree a fee for Wissa, whose camp are ready to finalise personal terms with Newcastle once there is a club-to-club agreement.”

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe revealed in his pre-Aston Villa press conference that he feels that Isak could still be a Magpies player come the end of the month:

“At the moment I would say yes but I’ve had no change of feeling throughout the summer

He’s contracted to us but it’s out of my hands.”

The club is expected to fine Isak for the first time if he misses competitive matches, having previously chosen not to discipline him despite his refusal to play.

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