Alexander Isak's future remains up in the air, with less than a week to go in the transfer window as the Newcastle striker continues to push for a move to Liverpool
Liverpool are ready to make a second bid for Alexander Isak, but are unwilling to do so if there is no chance Newcastle will accept it. The Magpies have already rejected a £110million offer from Liverpool and have attempted to persuade Isak to stay.
However, the striker remains adamant that he wants to leave for Liverpool this summer, having accused Newcastle of breaking promises they made to him. "I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken," Isak said last week.
"That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors. The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time.
"To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself."
Isak met with Newcastle chiefs on Monday to discuss his future and the striker informed them that he has no desire to remain at St James' Park. Isak is determined to remain on strike until he either gets his move to Liverpool or the transfer window slams shut.
The report adds that Liverpool are unwilling to pay Newcastle's £150m asking price, but are ready to make another offer if they receive 'encouragement' from the Magpies. However, Newcastle are said to be refusing to sanction the move unless Liverpool meet their demands.
They also want to sign two new strikers before letting Isak leave, but a final decision on the saga will be made chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan who was in attendance for Newcastle's dramatic 3-2 defeat to Liverpool on Monday.
"I've not been party to talks on this for a long time now," Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said after the match. "So, I've been preparing the team, giving all my energy to the players that want to play for Newcastle.
"I think that's where my energy is best. I'm not party to the talks that have been happening, so I've got no idea where that stands. From our side, we want clarity, we want to move forward.
"We want the narrative to change because we're in the start of the season now, we're into the action and we've got to get results and we've got to try and focus on what we can control."