Alexander Isak is determined to quit St James’s Park - even after crisis talks with the Newcastle hierarchy.
Newcastle striker Isak repeated his desire to move before the transfer window shuts on Monday and has his heart set on joining Liverpool.
Liverpool have had one bid turned down and will go back if they get any encouragement but they are miles apart from meeting Newcastle’s £150m valuation.
Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is trying to broker an agreement which would see Isak remain at St James’s Park.
Club directors Jamie Reuben and Jacobo Solis held talks with Isak at his house on Monday before Newcastle’s game with Liverpool.
READ MORE: Alexander Isak makes final decision on Newcastle exit after crunch talks with owners
READ MORE: Alexander Isak 'could tear up Newcastle contract' and join Liverpool as deadline passes
The idea was to try and find a solution to re-integrate Isak back into Newcastle’s first team squad as the Sweden international has missed the first two games of the season because he is on strike.
But Isak made it very clear that he has not had a change of heart and wants to join Liverpool. Isak issued a public statement last week in which he accused the club of “broken promises” and said "the relationship can't continue.”
Despite Newcastle’s best efforts to bring Isak back into the fold, the saga looks set to run until the end of the window.
It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will sanction a transfer with time running out for them to find replacements in the transfer market.
Newcastle want their valuation met and also want to bring in two new players before even considering sanctioning a move. They have been adamant all summer they do not want to sell but their resolve is likely to be tested again before the end of the window.
Newcastle have been chasing Brentford’s Yoane Wissa but have had two bids turned down with the second worth up to £40m.
They have also had a £50m bid turned down for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen with the Midlands club insisting they will not sell and they want to give the Norway international a new contract.
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