Newcastle tell Liverpool their asking price for Alexander Isak as Magpies line up Ollie Watkins as potential replacement

Newcastle have turned down Liverpool’s first formal offer for Isak, worth £120 million. The Daily Mail has now reported that the bid from the Reds falls well short of their £150m valuation. Despite his desire to leave, the Magpies have made it clear they will only sell on their terms. 

The 25-year-old has not joined Newcastle’s pre-season tour in Asia, citing a thigh injury while training at Real Sociedad. Newcastle have not denied that Isak has gone AWOL, and sources suggest he is pushing for a move behind the scenes. Liverpool’s opening bid was reportedly worth around £120m, but the Magpies want at least £150m to part ways.

The Daily Mail's report have also suggested that Newcastle are considering Aston Villa’s Watkins as a possible successor to Isak. The Magpies have drawn up a shortlist of replacements that also includes Yoane Wissa and Jorgen Strand Larsen. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko was their top target, but Manchester United are now leading that race.

Liverpool are expected to return with an improved offer if they remain serious about landing Isak. Newcastle, meanwhile, are likely to only act on Watkins if they receive encouragement and progress with outgoing business. For now, Isak has been told he will not be allowed to leave without the right deal in place.