Liverpool handed huge Alexander Isak blow as respected journalist drops transfer bombshell

A journalist has issued an update on the future of Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak – and Liverpool fans will not be pleased.

Isak, 25, has been heavily linked with a move away from the Magpies in recent weeks, with interest from clubs such as Al Hilal and Liverpool.

On July 19, the Sweden striker was left out of Eddie Howe’s squad for his side’s 4-0 defeat to Celtic, with a thigh injury initially said to be the reason for his omission.

However, it has since emerged that the player is considering his options as he’s been omitted from Newcastle’s tour of Asia.

On Tuesday, Howe was asked about the situation in a press conference in Seoul.

"He is still our player. He's contracted to us," Howe said at the conference.

"We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us.

Alexander Isak is linked with a move to Liverpool (Credit:Getty)

"My wish is that he stays, but that's not in my full control. We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club."

Despite the interest from Liverpool, Newcastle have insisted that their star man, who is contracted to the club until June 2028, is not for sale.

Although Sky Sports reports that the Northeast club values Isak at around £150m, despite it being widely reported that the PIF-owned side’s valuation was £120m.

On Wednesday evening, the Mail reported that Isak’s hopes of forcing a move to Liverpool have taken a hit due to “Newcastle fearing they have lost out on top target Benjamin Sesko”.

Benjamin Sesko has been linked with several clubs this summer (Image: Getty)

Newcastle remain in the running to sign the RB Leipzig and Slovenia forward, but there are fears he could choose Manchester United, who are also thought to be keen on the 22-year-old.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Mail also reported that Man United have made Sesko their priority target while maintaining interest in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

The report claims that RB Leipzig have a gentlemen’s agreement to allow Sesko to leave for a fee within the region of £60-70 million. If Newcastle miss out on Sesko, they would only consider selling Isak if an alternative was found before the summer transfer window shuts on September 1. Brentford's Yoane Wissa, Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz and Watkins are reportedly being considered by the Magpies.