Alexander Isak transfer: Liverpool prepare second bid but key detail could scupper deal

Liverpool have seen an opening offer of £120million for Alexander Isak rejected by Newcastle and they are now preparing a second bid for the 25-year-old striker

Liverpool are preparing a second bid for Alexander Isak after Newcastle rejected an offer worth £120million including add-ons. Isak is keen on a move away from St James' Park this summer and did not join Newcastle on their pre-season tour of South Korea.

The 25-year-old has instead been training alone at the facilities of his former club Real Sociedad while his future is resolved. Newcastle, though, do not want to lose their star striker after he netted 23 Premier League goals last season.

They are understood to value Isak at around £150m, but Sky Sports are reporting that Newcastle will not sanction a sale unless they have a replacement lined up even if they receive an offer that matches their valuation.

It is claimed that Liverpool are readying a new bid, but a deal is 'subject to Newcastle finding replacements'. RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko has been mooted as a potential replacement for Isak, but Manchester United are also interested in the 22-year-old.

"He is still our player," Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said when asked about Isak's future earlier this week. "He's contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us.

"My wish is that he stays, but that's not in my full control. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year."

When asked if he had discussed the situation with club chiefs, Howe replied: "No, I haven't. Mainly for the fact I've been travelling and today we've been working on the training for this afternoon.

"With these trips, they are always so intense. Of course, I'm in contact with the people I need to be in contact with back at home, but it's very minimal contact when you're away.

"It is an important time for us. There is lots to take in. We have to bring the right type of player in. We should in no way act out of character and should work how we always have in the window. That is in a strategic way.

"If the right player isn't available to us for the right price, then we can't do the deals. Everything has to fall in line. We are looking to add depth and quality to the areas that we have identified. Fingers crossed we can get deals done."