Liverpool have been told what their chances of signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United are, in what would be a spectacular transfer late in the window.
The Reds have had a growing interest in Isak all summer and had a first bid of €127 million (£110m) for the Sweden international forward rejected.
Taking matters into his own hands, the 25-year-old did not go on Newcastle’s pre-season tour while nursing a thigh problem. Instead, he trained at the facilities of his former club, Real Sociedad, in a very pointed message towards the Magpies.
Isak has since been made to train alone by manager Eddie Howe and is not expected to play against Espanyol or Atletico Madrid this weekend.
With Liverpool weighing up the possibility of a fresh bid for the striker, the Reds have been told they face an uphill battle to get a deal done.
Expert tips Newcastle to keep Isak
Sky Sports’ Newcastle expert Mark McAdam does not believe that Isak will leave for Liverpool this summer, with the player set to remain at St James’ Park against his will.
“He has been ostracised by his own actions. He hasn’t been forced out because they don’t want him,” he explained.
“If Alexander Isak had handled it differently, with his head down and training hard, then you get your move.
My gut feeling is no, he will still be at Newcastle
– Sky Sports correspondent Mark McAdam
“My gut feeling is no, he will still be at Newcastle. They don’t want to sell and will only sell if they have a top-class striker in the building.
“Right now, do they have a replacement? No. Is there one out there? Possibly. It seems unlikely.”
Newcastle retain a good degree of control over Isak’s future, with the player under contract at Howe’s side until 2028.
Last season, he scored 27 goals in 42 games, driving his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) up to €117m.
Football transfer news headlines today
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
