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Liverpool's target, Alexander Isak, reportedly told Newcastle United three times that the 2024/25 season would be his last at St James' Park, if the latest reports are to be believed.
The Reds continue to show interest in the Swedish international, despite having a $149 million offer turned down by their north-east rivals earlier this month. Liverpool has so far decided against making a second bid, given the speed and decisiveness of Newcastle's initial refusal, and will only re-engage in talks if it receives clear encouragement.
Yet, the saga doesn't seem to be losing momentum. Isak didn't participate in Newcastle's pre-season tour, choosing instead to recover from an injury in Spain, utilizing the training facilities of his former club Real Sociedad.
The Athletic's most recent update on Tuesday suggests that the player is resolute in his decision never to play for Newcastle again, even if the club refuses to let him go before the transfer deadline. Furthermore, journalist Melissa Reddy reported that Isak informed Newcastle last summer that the 2024/25 campaign would be his final season with the club.
This message was repeated two weeks before the end of the season, and once more after their final match against Everton in May.
The Athletic's report mirrored this sentiment, albeit with the caveat that some within Newcastle deny the player ever made such a statement. It is believed that Newcastle's position may only soften if an offer near its valuation is received, and if suitable replacements are secured.
The Magpies continue to be associated with Brentford's Yoane Wissa, while their chase for Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko was unsuccessful, as he completed a move to Manchester United last week. Other forwards mentioned in the press include Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, and Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen.
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Liverpool, on the other hand, finds itself lacking attacking options following the recent exits of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, who joined Al Hilal and Bayern Munich respectively. Federico Chiesa's future at Anfield also remains uncertain, although rumors of a return to Italy have quietened in recent weeks.
Rio Ngumoha has shown promise in pre-season, but the teenager only turns 17 later this month. Another attacking addition before the transfer window shuts at the start of September seems highly probable.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.
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