Nicolas Jackson tells Chelsea his preferred destination after being left out of squad for RB Leipzig friendly

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle chiefs have told Isak he would not be sold under any circumstances this summer, effectively slamming the door on Liverpool’s interest. That stance has reportedly left the Sweden international fuming. However, Liverpool, undeterred, remain quietly active behind the scenes. Despite their initial £110 million bid being rejected and publicly labelled as their “only offer,” Anfield sources suggest the club are still probing ways to seal the deal before deadline day.

Jackson only entered Newcastle’s thinking after a double transfer blow. First, they lost out on Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United. Then, Chelsea swooped in to snap up Joao Pedro, leaving Eddie Howe scrambling for alternatives. Howe has been crying out for more firepower and sees Jackson as an exciting fit for his front line. The 24-year-old Senegal international has now told Chelsea he wants out, and the Blues have given the green light to explore offers.

Jackson's absence from Friday night’s friendly against Bayer Leverkusen was no coincidence. He wasn’t even in the matchday squad and has been training away from the first team in recent days, which indicates that a transfer could be looming on the horizon.  

Although there is interest in Jackson from several Premier League outfits and clubs in Europe, it is understood that he has set his heart on a move to St. James' Park. However, Chelsea are not under pressure to cash in and will only let Jackson go if the offer meets their valuation. The club’s hierarchy are determined to secure at least double the £32 million they paid Villarreal in 2023, meaning the suitors will need to stump up big money. The striker is tied to Stamford Bridge until 2032 after penning a mammoth nine-year deal last September, which means Chelsea can dictate terms on the negotiating table. 

If Liverpool somehow convince Newcastle to part with Isak, expect the Magpies to step up efforts to land Jackson. For now, all eyes are on Isak’s standoff with Newcastle and Liverpool’s next move, because until that’s resolved, Jackson’s future hangs in the balance.