Liverpool are planning an opening bid of around £100 million for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak after receiving 'the green light' over the move, according to reports. The Premier League club are believed to have provisionally agreed a five-year contract with the Swedish international, with formal talks between the two clubs scheduled within the next 48 hours.
Newcastle are holding out for a fee of £150 million, but Liverpool are confident of securing a deal for approximately £120 million. That would take their total spending this summer beyond £400 million, following the signings of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Isak, who has three years remaining on his £120,000-a-week contract at St James' Park, was not included in Newcastle's squad for their pre-season tour of Asia. Manager Eddie Howe acknowledged on Tuesday that the striker's future is not entirely in his control, though he reiterated the club's strong position.
“He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him,” Howe said. “We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year.” The comments come as Liverpool prepare to test Newcastle's resolve with an official offer for the 24-year-old.
