Newcastle United issue official response to Liverpool after Alexander Isak 'record' bid

Newcastle United have rejected a British record bid from Premier League champions Liverpool for Alexander Isak.

Isak wants to leave Newcastle this summer and has been training at former club Real Sociedad in Spain after sitting out of the club’s pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea.

The Magpies say Isak is recovering from a “minor thigh injury” but some believe his absence is an attempt to force an exit.

Newcastle United reject Alexander Isak bid from Liverpool

Liverpool made an informal approach for Isak when he was present on the Magpies’ pre-season training camp in Austria a fortnight ago. As expected, they have followed that up with an official offer, which has been rejected.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds’ offer was worth £120million plus add-ons, although it is understood that the bid is closer to £110m.

“Liverpool opening bid for Alexander Isak was worth £120m package plus add-ons,” Romano wrote on X. “Newcastle rejected as they won’t open doors at least until finding a replacement… and it’s not guaranteed, at this stage.

“Isak insists with Newcastle on his clear desire to join Liverpool.”

Alexander Isak will only leave on Newcastle United’s terms

Eddie Howe’s squad return to England on Monday, where Isak will be expected to report back to the club’s Benton training ground. It is then that further talks between the club and player are set to take place.

The Magpies are believed to value Isak, who has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances since arriving from Sociedad in 2022, at £150m. With still three years left on Isak’s contract, the club are in a strong negotiation position.

Another key factor is finding a high-profile replacement, and that is where matters are currently complicated with top target RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko understood to favour a move to Manchester United.

The Athletic, who were first to break the news of the Isak bid, claim Newcastle have tried to offer the Swede a new contract, which would include a release clause next summer. Senior teammates have also encouraged Isak to stay but the Swede has not changed his stance.

Eddie Howe speaks about Alexander Isak’s future

Newcastle’s visit to Asia has been dominated by the Isak speculation, with many questions directed at head coach Howe.

While Howe admits his preference would be for Newcastle to fend off Liverpool, a final decision on Isak’s future will ultimately rest with the club’s hierarchy.

Speaking about the Isak situation on Tuesday, Howe said: “He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.”

Last week, Howe also said: “I wouldn't put a timescale on it. I think with these situations it has to be right for the football club, and everything then is taken into context below that.

“But the club will make the right decision with all the information that it has, and ultimately to try and move the club forward in whatever way that is. Then it's up to us to make good decisions the other way and try and improve the squad as best we can. That’s what we're trying to do, regardless of Alex's situation.

“But I think there's a wider picture here. There's a whole football club that has to make the decision. The ownership, together with the board of directors, especially with the money involved in modern day transfers. The manager of course has an opinion, but ultimately the decision will rest with the board.”

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