Liverpool handed clear Alexander Isak transfer conditions as timeline and ultimatum set

Liverpool handed clear Alexander Isak transfer conditions as timeline and ultimatum set

Liverpool transfer news and rumours including the latest on striker target Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak of Newcastle United (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

Newcastle United striker and Liverpool target Alexander Isak has reportedly been handed an ultimatum by his club as he seeks a move away this summer.

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The Reds have been strongly linked with the Sweden international for some time, and interest remains despite the arrival of Hugo Ekitike this summer. Having parted ways with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez to Bayern Munich and Al-Hilal respectively, Arne Slot’s forward line appears somewhat lacking in depth ahead of the new season.

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Liverpool had a £110 million bid for Isak rejected at the start of this month, but have yet to return with an improved offer for the 25-year-old. Whether and when that happens will likely depend on Newcastle’s willingness to negotiate, with the ECHO reporting that the Reds’ hierarchy currently consider it futile to table a fresh proposal given the speed and clarity of Newcastle’s initial rejection.

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Newcastle’s pursuit of Benjamin Sesko could have paved the way for Isak’s departure, but the Slovenian’s decision to join Manchester United over the Magpies has sent them back to the drawing board. The latest update from our sister title Chronicle Live states that Newcastle are continuing their search for a striker capable of stepping into Isak’s role, with Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis the latest name to be offered by intermediaries.

Crucially, the report adds that an ultimatum has been issued to the player. If no serious offer is received from Liverpool, or any club for that matter, no transfer will take place.

All summer, £150 million has been the figure quoted in the media that Newcastle want for Isak, though the report states there have been suggestions that a fee in the region of £130 million plus add-ons could be enough to make a breakthrough and secure a transfer, if and when further negotiations begin.

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Isak was not included in Newcastle’s pre-season tour of the Far East, officially due to a thigh injury. However, it later emerged that the striker was recovering with his personal staff at his former club Real Sociedad’s training facilities, rather than on Tyneside, further adding fuel to the speculation he wants a move away before the deadline.

The latest comments from Eddie Howe over the weekend suggest that anything remains possible with three weeks still to go in the transfer window. "I think everything is in play," Howe said after their defeat to Atletico Madrid.

"I've said many times he is contracted to us. He is our player. The club make the decision on his future. I don't know what that will be.

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"Of course I have a preferred outcome. I want the best and the strongest squad possible, but I also want players that really want to play for this football club."

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