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Wolves chairman Jeff Shi has blocked Jorgen Strand Larsen from joining Newcastle this summer — with Liverpool awaiting news on potential replacements for Alexander Isak.
Newcastle has already made two bids for Strand Larsen, with the second reaching a total of $74 million (£55 million). The player wants to make the move and join up with Eddie Howe in the North East.
However, according to The Athletic, Wolves does not feel that it can lose a key goalscorer at this point in the window. It would need to source a replacement (or two) with only a few days remaining before the September 1 deadline.
Newcastle sees Strand Larsen as a replacement for Callum Wilson, who was allowed to leave for nothing at the end of the season. But if it could sign the Norwegian and Yoane Wissa from Brentford, its not-for-sale stance on Isak might soften.
Isak met with Newcastle's owners on Monday and his stance remains that he wants to leave. The player has not played for the St. James' Park side since the end of last season.
Last midweek, he accused Newcastle of breaking promises made to him heading into the transfer window in a social media statement. For that reason, if Isak isn't sold, it would appear to be a long way back for the Swede.
"I'm proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25," Isak wrote in a statement posted on his Instagram story.
"First and foremost, I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way. I'm not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn't feel right to be there.
"I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. 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.
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"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."
Liverpool.com says: Isak getting his move has long felt like it will depend on Newcastle bringing in replacements. So far, though, they have proven to be elusive.
If you were Isak, though, that wouldn't be a consolation if he has to stay because Newcastle can't sign anyone else. If anything, that would underline why he wants to leave and take the next step in his career.
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