Newcastle stance, Eddie Howe update, wage demands

Liverpool want Alexander Isak, but Newcastle United insist the striker is not for sale this summer transfer windo, despite agitating for a move during pre-season

Alexander Isak is still the name on everyone’s lips this weekend as the striker wants out of Newcastle United amid interest from Liverpool. The Reds are monitoring developments on Tyneside and believe the Sweden international would bolster their strikeforce.

Despite signing Hugo Ekitike this week, they are still in the market for summer attacking additions. The expected departures of Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa, plus interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich in Luis Diaz, mean their business will only continue over the next six weeks.

Isak is at the forefront of minds after being left out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour to Asia. Now, with the striker said to be exploring moves away, here is a round-up of the latest reporting:

‘Liverpool have privately insisted’

The Reds will reputedly only make a move for Isak should they receive encouragement from Newcastle, with the The Times reporting that is what the club has ‘privately insisted’.

Messaging from senior officials at the very top of the club is that their striker is not for sale. Liverpool are said to have called Newcastle earlier this month to enquire about the player’s availability.

Isak is also said to believe Liverpool would pay the striker £300,000-a-week wages. That amount is purportedly what the player is holding out for from his current employers should contract talks resume.

Latest update from Newcastle

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has addressed the speculation surrounding Isak during a press conference in Singapore while on their pre-season tour. The striker is not with his teammates.

“Of course, there are things going on behind the scenes,” Howe acknowledged to the assembled media members. “Conversations that happen between Alex and myself and Alex and the club will stay private.

“Whatever happens has to be for the best of the club. There are no contract talks taking place.

“That will be for a later date, potentially. I certainly hope [Isak] stays. It’s football, who knows what the future may bring.”

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