6 days ago
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Liverpool has reportedly adopted a hard-line approach with Newcastle regarding their interest in Alexander Isak.
In what could be a setback for the striker's transfer aspirations, the Reds are allegedly ready to abandon the deal if they feel their rivals are inflating the 25-year-old's market value.
This comes on the heels of the club agreeing to sell Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan forward is poised to join Al-Hilal in a deal potentially worth £56.6 million ($76M) and is reportedly en route to Germany today for a medical. He will earn a staggering amount.
This sale, following the £15M ($20.1M) offloading of Tyler Morton to Lyon, provides Liverpool with additional funds as they gear up to make a second offer for Isak.
Newcastle turned down an initial bid of £110M ($147.5M), plus add-ons, holding out for a British record fee of £150M ($201.2M). With Nunez's departure, the Premier League champions are now in a position to propose a sum much closer to that asking price.
However, talkSPORT suggests that Liverpool will only secure Isak's services if the deal aligns with their criteria. They will reportedly re-enter negotiations only if Newcastle facilitate a deal and if the price reflects what they deem 'fair market value'.
FSG and Arne Slot are reportedly willing to chase other prospects if the League Cup victors don't cooperate.
Securing an alternative forward would ultimately leave Isak at St James' Park, especially since Hugo Ekitike has already made a £79M ($106M) move from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Young talents Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni are showing real promise for the first team, with Ngumoha netting a spectacular goal in Monday's friendly victory over Athletic Club. Record signing Florian Wirtz also has the versatility to play anywhere across the front line.
Isak seems to be stuck in a difficult position if a deal cannot be agreed upon by all parties.
Currently, he is training separately from Newcastle's first team and is not expected to participate in their pre-season matches against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid this weekend.
The Swedish international didn't accompany the club on their pre-season tour of Asia.
Despite this, his club has been unsuccessful in securing a potential replacement, and their continued pursuit of Benjamin Sesko looks set to be thwarted by Manchester United.
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