Newcastle United have turned down a formal bid from Liverpool for centre-forward Alexander Isak, according to The Athletic.
The Sweden international is keen to leave Newcastle this summer and has been training at his former club, Real Sociedad, while Eddie Howe’s squad is on their pre-season tour in South Korea.
Liverpool had previously made an informal approach to their Premier League rivals, expressing interest in a deal worth around £120million.
However, their official offer has now been rejected by Newcastle.
The Magpies have attempted to secure Isak’s future by offering him an improved contract, which would have included a release clause next summer.
Senior teammates have also encouraged him to stay in the North East, but the 25-year-old’s position remains unchanged – a stance communicated clearly to the club by Isak and his representatives.
Isak spent three years at Real Sociedad before joining Newcastle in 2022 for £60 million (€69.4m).
Currently, he has been training alone at Real Sociedad’s Zubieta facilities.
Isak’s absence from Newcastle’s pre-season tour is by his own choice due to uncertainty over his future, although the club have cited a minor thigh injury as the reason for his absence.
Isak still has three years remaining on his Newcastle contract, but the club have started exploring potential replacements in case he departs.
Despite this, Newcastle’s official stance remains that the striker is not for sale.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have completed the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69million – a player who was also on Newcastle’s radar.
Newcastle have identified RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko as their top target to replace Isak, though Manchester United have recently prioritized a move for the 22-year-old.
The Magpies have also expressed interest in Brentford’s forward Yoane Wissa.
Isak has established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers in recent years, scoring 27 goals in all competitions last season – including a goal in the Carabao Cup final, where Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-1 to end their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.
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