Newcastle Faces Transfer Deadline Amid Isak Liverpool Move Uncertainty

Liverpool is actively pursuing the transfer of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak before the September 1 deadline, with the Premier League champions yet to submit an improved bid following an initial £110 million offer rejected by Newcastle. The Magpies are holding firm, reportedly demanding a fee exceeding £150 million to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, but are also under pressure to sell to balance finances. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe confirmed Isak will not feature in the upcoming match against Liverpool and has expressed a preference for handling the situation privately while hoping to reintegrate the player later. The club is simultaneously seeking to sign one or two new strikers to replace Callum Wilson, who departed recently, with targets including Yoane Wissa, Nicolas Jackson, and Jorgen Strand Larsen, though high asking prices complicate these efforts. Experts predict Isak's move to Liverpool remains the most likely outcome, although the player faces a fitness challenge due to missing the entire preseason. Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledges the tough challenge of facing an intense Newcastle side, irrespective of the ongoing transfer saga.