Alexander Isak: Second Liverpool bid expected 'after Newcastle reject £120m opening offer' | OneFootball

Swedish striker wants St James’ Park exit

Liverpool have seen a stunning bid exceeding £120million rejected by Newcastle for Alexander Isak, according to widespread reports.

The Reds have spent heavily already this summer, snapping up Florian Wirtz on a deal worth up to £116m, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez arrived from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth, respectively, for a combined £75m.

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Now, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Liverpool have made their first official proposal to Newcastle for Isak’s services. Fabrizio Romano adds that the offer was worth £120m, plus add-ons.

The bid has been rebuffed by the north-east club, who, according to the Daily Mail, are holding out for around £150m.

Demand: Alexander Isak is desperate to move to Anfield

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Journalist Ben Jacobs reports of optimism on Liverpool’s side that a deal can be done, prompting suggestions that a second bid is likely.

Isak is said to be pushing to move to Anfield, and this week flew out to Spain to train at former club Real Sociedad’s facilities while current club Newcastle are in Asia on a pre-season tour.

The Sweden international missed the trip with a minor thigh issue, and manager Eddie Howe has confirmed transfer speculation played a part in the decision to leave the player at home.

Howe also went on to insist he had confidence that Isak would remain a Newcastle player this summer.

However, Liverpool are piling on the pressure to get their man ahead of the Premier League’s restart on August 15, when they host Bournemouth at Anfield on the opening day.