Liverpool are reportedly set to return with a massive new offer for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who has been frozen out of Eddie Howe’s squad.
The Reds had an initial bid of £110 million ($149m) rejected earlier in the transfer window, but according to The Sun, they are ready to raise their offer to £130m ($176m). However, the Merseyside club will delay their second approach until after Monday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle at St. James’ Park to avoid adding fuel to an already tense atmosphere.
Liverpool are confident that Newcastle may soften their stance following the bumper bid, especially after tensions flared between Isak and the Magpies earlier this week. The Swedish forward was notably excluded from the squad in Newcastle’s opening game against Aston Villa and is expected to miss out again against Liverpool. Reports suggest he will not even be present at St. James’ Park for the match.
New Liverpool boss Arne Slot is understood to have identified Isak as a central figure in his plans well before the end of last season. Despite the club spending £69m ($93m) on Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt—who has already impressed with goals in both the Community Shield and the Premier League opener—Slot remains determined to add Isak to his squad as part of his ambitious recruitment strategy.
If successful, the deal would rank among the most expensive transfers in Premier League history, underlining Slot’s intent to build a formidable Liverpool attack.
