Liverpool are preparing a record-breaking bid for Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak and are readying a formal approach, according to the Daily Mail.
Isak did not travel with Newcastle’s squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East after reporting a thigh injury earlier this week.
However, the report claims that the club’s hierarchy is aware of Isak’s desire to consider his options this summer.
The 25-year-old has three years remaining on his contract, and chief executive Darren Eales stated in March that discussions about a new deal would take place at the end of the season.
For now, Isak and his representatives are hesitant to commit to fresh terms, amid interest from Liverpool, who are considering making the Sweden international a British record signing.
Newcastle’s owners and head coach Eddie Howe, however, do not want to sell and would prefer to negotiate a new contract, even if that means a potential move next summer.
Isak missed Newcastle’s 4-0 defeat to Celtic over the weekend after Howe revealed the player was allowed to return home due to speculation about his future and a need to manage his playing time.
“I’d never give a guarantee about anybody [staying] because I’ve been in football long enough to know I could end up looking silly,” Howe told BBC Radio Newcastle.
“But, the desire from everybody to keep him is as strong as it could be. Fingers crossed that will happen for us.
“We love him as a player and a person and want him to stay – and that is right through the club. He’s an outstanding talent and a player we cherish.
“I think for any player speculation’s not an easy thing to deal with, and not an easy thing to understand, when you’re fielding calls and messages from players and people asking you all sorts.
“The media now is so strong and the media message goes far and wide.
“I don’t think it’s easy for any player to be under that scrutiny and that’s part – ten per cent – of the reason why he wasn’t here today.
“I just want him to focus on himself and his training and being ready for next week.”
The Magpies boss had initially expected Isak to travel with the team to Singapore and South Korea. The club have attributed his absence to a minor thigh issue.
Since joining Newcastle, the forward has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances.
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