Newcastle have rejected a formal offer from Liverpool of around £110million for want-away striker Alexander Isak.
The value of the bid falls some way short of the £150m it would take for them to consider a deal.
Isak and his camp are determined to force through a move this summer and he is currently using the training facilities of former club Real Sociedad.
Newcastle have not denied that the Swede has gone AWOL, after he reported a thigh injury that ruled him out of their Far East tour. The club will only sell on their terms, and that means a fair financial package plus replacements lined up.
Mail Sport understands that, if given encouragement, Newcastle are likely to make a move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Talks also remain ongoing over a deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
But until they make progress on incomings and Liverpool return with a vastly improved offer, Isak has been told he is going nowhere.
Newcastle have rejected a formal offer from Liverpool for wantaway star striker Alexander Isak
Newcastle have reportedly tried to persuade the Swede to sign a new contract that would include a release clause for next summer
The Reds’ opening bid of around £110million falls well short of the Magpies £150m valuation
Newcastle fans have reacted angrily to revelation that Isak had flown to San Sebastian to use the training facilities at his former club, while his current team-mates continue preparations for the new term in the Far East.
His latest move raises the possibility of a club fine, if they determine he has left Tyneside without their knowledge. So far, Mail Sport has been told of nothing to suggest Newcastle were aware of Isak’s intentions.
His hopes of the move progressing have been hit by Newcastle’s frustration in finding a replacement.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko was their top target but Manchester United have now made a move for the Slovenian. A deal is still active for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, while Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Jorgen Strand Larsen of Wolves are also on the shortlist.
Newcastle will not sell Isak if they believe the move is not right for the club, but events of the past seven days have made any potential reintegration extremely difficult.