‘They have five days’ – Newcastle could reach Alexander Isak exit agreement
Newcastle United could reach an exit agreement with Alexander Isak after Liverpool’s move to sign him this summer.
The Sweden international has been integral for the north-east giants since making his club-record £63million move from Real Sociedad in 2022.
The 25-year-old registered 27 goals and six assists in 42 appearances last season, helping his side finish fifth in the Premier League and win the Carabao Cup.
However, Isak told Newcastle he wanted to explore a move away from St James’ Park last month.
Liverpool have seen a bid worth £110million plus add-ons rejected for the striker, with the Tyneside club valuing him at around £150million.
The Telegraph reported on 9 August Newcastle have now told Isak he will not be allowed to leave this summer.
The Swede has returned to the Magpies’ training facility, but he is yet to work with the rest of Eddie Howe’s squad.
Liverpool begin the defence of their Premier League title against Bournemouth on 15 August, while Newcastle get their campaign underway against Aston Villa on 16 August.
Newcastle told to block Alexander Isak exit
This article contains exclusive comment from Stefan Borson, a former financial adviser to Man City.
Newcastle had lined up Benjamin Sesko as a potential replacement for Isak, but he has now joined Manchester United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider before the Telegraph report, Borson said: “If I were Newcastle now, I would say, look, the season starts in less than a week, Liverpool haven’t offered £150million.
“They have got five days to offer £150million or you’re not going. You go next summer. We will let you go next summer for £150million and even put it in writing if you want, but you’re not going now, and that’s it.
“We can’t find a replacement. We’re not looking anymore. We’ve got a season to concentrate on, and that’s the end of the story and you’ll be unhappy for a few weeks.
“Take the risk that you know you’ll get to September and you’ll get your head down like many players have over the years, you’ll be focused and have a good season, and next summer you can go for £150million and you can go before 30 June, so we’ll make it easy for you.
“There’s the fee, that’s the release fee. If anybody wants to buy you, they can buy you next summer. That’s what I would do now anyway.
“I just think it’s all too late now.”
Newcastle set sights on Nicolas Jackson deal
In terms of a potential incoming at St James’ Park, Football Insider revealed on 9 August Newcastle are weighing up an offer for Nicolas Jackson after Enzo Maresca gave the green light for him to leave Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have slapped an initial £80million asking price on Jackson, sparking doubts about whether Howe’s side will be prepared to match that fee.
Man United walked away from signing Jackson after being told his hefty price tag before turning their attention to Sesko.
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