Liverpool target Alexander Isak has made it “very clear” to Newcastle that he doesn’t want to spend another season at St James’ Park, according to former Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy

The Magpies feel they are in a strong negotiating position due to the striker’s contract situation. Isak still has three years remaining on his current deal so they could potentially keep him for a further 12 months without the player losing his value. However, Reddy says the forward is adamant that he wants to leave now:

“I am told, from his end, it was made very clear to the club that last season would be his final one with them. That was communicated. He has wanted a fresh challenge.”

Essentially, Isak and Newcastle are in a standoff at the moment, and Liverpool are unlikely to make a formal bid until this has been resolved one way or another.

Liverpool are prepared to pay a record fee

It is believed that the Reds are willing to break the British transfer record for the second time this summer, having already shelled out £116m on Florian Wirtz.

Newcastle are said to be demanding as much as £150m for Isak but it remains to be seen if Arne Slot’s side would be prepared to pay that much for the Swedish international.

Isak has been on the radar for 4+ years

In further comments on GiveMeSport, Reddy revealed that Liverpool’s recruitment team have been keeping tabs on the striker since the start of 2021.

However, when it came to signing a new no.9 in the summer of 2022, manager Jurgen Klopp and his coaching staff favoured a move for Darwin Nunez instead, with Isak ultimately joining Newcastle. It appears the club are hoping to buy the player at the second time of asking.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Liverpool have hijacked an Arsenal transfer