Liverpool are set to return with a deadline-day offer of around £120million for Alexander Isak, and Newcastle are ready to negotiate the striker’s sale.
The Magpies have been open to exploring his exit all summer, after Isak made it clear at the end of last season that he wanted to leave.
However, as a club statement a fortnight ago revealed, their ‘conditions of sale’ had not been met – those being an acceptable offer from Liverpool and Isak’s replacements secured.
Newcastle hoped they could persuade the Swede to stay at St James’ Park but, after a senior delegation from the ownership visited his house last Monday and made a final plea, there was an acceptance that would not be possible.
Isak told co-owner Jamie Reuben and PIF chiefs that he would remain on strike and wanted to go.
Talks have been taking place in the back channels all week geared towards his exit, with the player’s agent Vlado Lemic heavily involved.
Liverpool are set to return with a deadline-day offer of around £120million for Alexander Isak
Newcastle are ready to negotiate the striker’s sale before the transfer window closes
Liverpool beat Arsenal on Sunday to return to the top of the Premier League table
As of Sunday night, formal club-to-club discussions had not resumed, but sources close to the situation expect a deal to be agreed on Monday.
Newcastle would like a package in the region of £130m, but it could be that such a figure is only achieved with add-ons.
Newcastle are also still working on a deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, but they face a race against time to bring in a second striker after the £69m club-record addition of Nick Woltemade. Wolves striker Jorgen Strand-Larsen is another target.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are confident of adding both Isak and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi before Monday’s 7pm deadline.
