Liverpool will not make a second bid for Alexander Isak after their initial £110 million offer was rejected by Newcastle United, according to reports. The Premier League champions had targeted the Swedish striker despite already spending heavily this summer, including a British record £116 million deal for Florian Wirtz.
The Reds' offer fell well short of Newcastle's reported £150 million asking price. Ben Jacobs reported that Liverpool consider the pursuit 'futile' following the rejection. Newcastle were described as 'desperate' to keep Isak, although the player was open to the move to Anfield.
Isak missed Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia due to a minor thigh issue, with manager Eddie Howe confirming that transfer speculation played a part in the decision to leave him at home. Howe expressed confidence that Isak would remain at St James' Park this summer.
The 24-year-old Sweden international has been training at former club Real Sociedad's facilities in Spain while Newcastle are away. Liverpool had already signed Hugo Ekitike for £69 million, beating Newcastle to his signature, along with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez for a combined £75 million.
