‘Liverpool to table improved Alexander Isak bid – this is the big one’
Newcastle United could force Alexander Isak to stay this summer even if they receive an improved offer from Liverpool.
Arne Slot’s side are working on a deal to sign Isak and had a package worth £120million, made up of a £110m bid plus add-ons, rejected by Newcastle last week (August 1).
The Sweden international refused to go on the Magpies’ pre-season tour of Asia, instead returning to former club Real Sociedad to train alone.
Isak did report back to training earlier this week (4 August), but is reportedly still desperate to make the move to Anfield.
However, Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Newcastle may force their star striker to stay for another season.
‘Isak move hinges on Sesko deal’
This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen CEO.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Isak’s switch to Liverpool hinges on whether Newcastle are able to secure the signing of Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko had looked set to make the move to St James’ Park, but the RB Leipzig striker would reportedly prefer a move to Manchester United, who have made a £73million bid.
Wyness added that Newcastle will not let Isak go if they don’t manage to bring in the Slovenia international.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think this is the big one of the year, isn’t it? This is the one that everybody’s focused on.”
“Liverpool are going to want to get there, whether it’s by add-ons or different things. Liverpool may come back with an increased cash component. They may go in at something like £125million, and they may beat the Florian Wirtz number.
“Isak is probably one player who could stand that valuation. The rest would have to be made up in add-ons. It’s whether those are achievable or not.
“It’s with Newcastle. If they get Sesko, and we know they’re pushing very hard to get Sesko, then the deal will get done with Isak. Without that, I think they’re covering their bets to try and keep Isak, cover themselves for this season. So it’s as simple as that, as to whether those deals will get done.”
‘Newcastle set sights on Brighton defender’
Meanwhile, Newcastle have reportedly set their sights on Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke after failing in attempts to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who claims that the Magpies have been keeping a close eye on the 25-year-old.
Eddie Howe is determined to strengthen his defensive unit this summer and views Van Hecke as one of his top targets due to his performances in the Premier League.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Guehi has his heart set on joining Liverpool and will snub the Magpies’ offer should they return with a fresh move.
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