Liverpool make public move to ‘unsettle’ Alexander Isak – ‘this may force Newcastle’s hand’
Newcastle United have accused Liverpool of making an overtly public approach for Alexander Isak this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the ongoing tansfer saga between the two clubs.
Newcastle had made a £70million bid for Hugo Ekitike which was swiftly rejected, as Eintracht Frankfurt hold out for a fee north of £85m in a setback for Eddie Howe’s plans to find a new striker partner for Isak.
The Magpies’ approach for Ekitike also raised the prospect of the Frenchman becoming Isak’s long-term replacement, and was swiftly followed by Liverpool making a record £130m bid for the Sweden striker.
Liverpool have since turned their attention towards Ekitike after their offer was quickly turned down by Newcastle, and sources have told Football Insider that Howe’s side are less than happy with the Reds.
Newcastle have done their utmost to make clear that Isak isn’t for sale under any circumstances, and Football Insider sources have said Liverpool’s public attempts to unsettle the Swede hasn’t gone down well at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle hold fast on Isak transfer stance after Liverpool offers
Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider on 17 July that Newcastle selling Isak to Liverpool would provide a massive boost for their PSR, but the Magpies are still in no mood to let their talisman leave.
Speaking on the new Inside Track, O’Rourke said that while Newcastle have made their position clear on Isak’s future, Liverpool‘s own efforts could still continue even as they close in on Ekitike’s signature.
“The situation is complicated, let’s put it that way – Newcastle thought they were front-runners making that club record £70million [bid] for Hugo Ekitike.
“That got rejected by Frankfurt, who we know are holding out for a big fee from around £85million for the Frenchman, which might be a bit too steep for Newcastle.
‘They’ll be holding out as close as possible to that £85million – whether Newcastle can get to that, remains to be seen.
“Obviously they could get to it if they sold Alexander Isak with Liverpool trying to sign the Sweden international as well.
“There’s a possibility [of signing Ekitike and keeping Isak], that’s what Newcastle are hoping – but the Isak story’s not going to go away.
“Liverpool are making attempts to try and prise him away from Newcastle. Newcastle feel they’ve put this out in public to unsettle a striker and that might force their hand.
“Liverpool will have contingency plans in place if they’re not able to get Isak out of Newcastle because, Newcastle have been quite steadfast, suggesting he’s not for sale and [that] they want to keep him.”
Newcastle and Liverpool both lose out in Isak–Ekitike transfer saga
Champions League qualification had been deemed enough for Newcastle to keep hold of Isak for this summer at least, but their bid for Ekitike re-ignited Liverpool’s efforts to complete a deal for the striker.
Isak may well be open to a move to Anfield after his form at St. James’ Park, but the prospect of Ekitike being signed by Liverpool instead will see both the Swede and the Reds miss out on a dream transfer.
Newcastle’s own dream of partnering Isak and Ekitike up front together next season also looks to have taken a significant hit amid Liverpool’s interest in the pair, and it remains to be seen which of the pair will be donning black and white stripes next season.