Liverpool will reportedly table a mega new Alexander Isak transfer bid, with the Newcastle striker having been frozen out by manager Eddie Howe.
After an initial offer of £110 million ($149m) was rejected earlier in the transfer window, Liverpool is ready to return with an even bigger bid of £130m ($176m) after their Premier League showdown against Newcastle at St. James’ Park on Monday.
The English top-flight encounter is expected to be an intense affair, given the current circumstances, and Liverpool is keen to avoid further stoking the flames of an already hostile atmosphere, according to The Sun.
With that in mind, they will hold off on making their second official approach for Isak until after the clash.
They are confident that Newcastle’s stance will change following the massive £130m bid, especially after Tuesday’s episode of statement warfare between Isak and the Magpies.
Isak was left out of Newcastle’s squad for the opening match of the new Premier League season against Aston Villa. Reports suggest that he will continue to be exiled against Liverpool.
It is believed that the forward will not even visit St. James’ Park on Monday to watch the match.
Slot reportedly made it clear to Liverpool’s hierarchy that he wanted Isak as a central figure in the team well before the 2024-25 season ended.
This vision has not changed, despite the addition of Hugo Ekitike, who joined the club for £69m ($93m) from Eintracht Frankfurt.
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Even with Ekitike impressing with his early performances, including goals in both the Community Shield and Premier League opener against Bournemouth, Slot remains determined to secure Isak’s signature as part of his grand spending spree.
Liverpool is also eyeing a £35m ($47m) deal for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, with Ibrahima Konate refusing to extend his current deal at Anfield.
If both Isak and Guehi are signed, it will take the club’s total summer outlay to £466m ($629m) on incomings, as this includes the captivating arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Ekitike.
Newcastle is already working on Isak’s replacement and has zeroed in on Brentford’s Yoanne Wissa.
The £60m ($81m) valuation for the DR Congo international is understood to be a premium, and while Wissa is reportedly keen on a move to Newcastle, it remains to be seen whether a deal will happen before the weekend.
