Liverpool accused of 'stringing Isak along' before 'bottling' Newcastle transfer

Liverpool have had an offer worth £120million including add-ons for Alexander Isak rejected by Newcastle and it has been claimed that the Reds have bottled the move

Liverpool have been accused of 'bottling' their pursuit of Alexander Isak after it emerged that they do not believe a deal is achievable this summer. Newcastle rejected an offer worth £120million including add-ons for Isak, instead valuing the striker at £150m.

Isak is keen to leave Newcastle and is currently training on his own at former club Real Sociedad, having not travelled with the rest of the squad for their pre-season tour of South Korea after reporting a thigh injury.

And a new report from the Daily Mail cites sources who claim that Liverpool have 'strung along' Isak and ultimately 'bottled it'. The report states that Liverpool were only willing to sign Isak for much less than Newcastle's £150m valuation.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are said to have 'some sympathy' for Isak and believe that he has 'been badly advised and left high and dry by Liverpool'. It is noted that Newcastle will not sell Isak unless they have a replacement lined up and Liverpool make a 'vastly improved offer'.

The Reds have already spent more than £250m this summer, with Arne Slot recruiting Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman.

When asked about Isak's future earlier this week, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe stated: "He is still our player. 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."

Howe also stated that he is yet to speak with club chiefs about Isak, adding "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."