The simmering Alexander Isak transfer saga is set to come to a head as Newcastle United prepare to host Liverpool on Monday, with the striker's future still unresolved. Isak, 25, has been pushing for a move to Anfield and was the subject of a £110 million bid earlier this month, which Newcastle swiftly rejected. The Magpies are holding out for a fee in the region of £150 million, but Liverpool have signalled they are unlikely to meet that valuation.
The tension was laid bare on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, where Gary Lineker jokingly suggested a swap deal involving Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike. Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, visibly bemused, rolled his eyes at the proposal, prompting Lineker to defend his quip as an attempt to lighten the mood. Ekitike, who joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79 million earlier in the window, scored his second goal for the Reds last weekend and is expected to face a hostile reception at St James' Park.
Isak has been absent from Newcastle's pre-season and training, releasing a statement claiming the club had broken promises. Newcastle have insisted they will welcome him back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates. The Swede is not expected to feature in Monday's Premier League clash, which Shearer described as having 'added spice' given the transfer drama.
Newcastle had pursued Ekitike in July but saw a £70 million bid rejected before the Frenchman opted for Liverpool. The failed pursuit has contributed to the club's reluctance to sell Isak late in the window. As the two sides meet, the spotlight will remain firmly on the unresolved stand-off between club and player.
