Newcastle United have rejected an official bid of around £110 million from Liverpool for striker Alexander Isak, who is keen to leave the club.
The offer is far below the £150 million threshold that Liverpool would need to meet to secure Isak’s signature, as considered necessary for the deal.
Isak and his team are determined to push through a transfer this summer, and he is currently training alone using the facilities of his former club, Real Sociedad.
Newcastle United have not denied that the Swedish player missed the Far East tour due to a thigh injury, rather than being "absent without leave".
The club will only sell the player on their own terms, meaning Newcastle must receive a reasonable offer and secure a potential replacement before agreeing to any sale.
It is understood that if Newcastle United receive positive signals, they are likely to move for Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa. Meanwhile, transfer talks over Yoan Wissa from Brentford remain ongoing.
However, unless they make progress in signing a replacement and Liverpool return with a significantly improved offer, Isak has been told he will not be going anywhere.
If Newcastle determine that Isak left Tyneside without their prior knowledge, his latest actions could result in a fine. To date, the Daily Mail has not received any evidence indicating that Newcastle were aware of Isak’s intentions.
Isak’s hopes of a transfer have been dealt a blow as Newcastle have hit obstacles in their search for a replacement.
Benjamin Šeško of RB Leipzig was previously their top target, but Manchester United have now made a move for the Slovenian forward. The deal for
Yoan Wissa from Brentford remains in progress, with Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) and Jørgen Strand Larsen (Wolves) also on their shortlist of alternatives.
