Man Utd to have major say in Liverpool’s £150m Alexander Isak transfer chase

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak continues to face an uncertain future and the Sweden international’s next move could hinge on Manchester United’s business

The future of Liverpool target Alexander Isak could yet be impacted with old rivals Manchester United. While United aren’t in for Isak themselves, their transfer battle with Newcastle over Benjamin Sesko could have a knock-on effect on the Swede.

Liverpool’s initial approach for Isak was knocked back by Newcastle, who want close to £150million for their leading man. They have bid roughly half that for Slovenia international Sesko – £69.5m plus up to £8m in add-ons – but dont have a clear run at the RB Leipzig star.

According to The Telegraph, Liverpool have no plans to make a renewed bid for Isak as things stand. However, the same publication indicates things might change if the Magpies sign a new striker.

Manchester United have a chance to throw a spanner in the works, then. If they are able to beat Eddie Howe’s side to Sesko then, in all likelihood, Isak will be going nowhere.

The latest developments come as United and Newcastle both brace for a decision from Sesko – with a deadline potentially coming as soon as Tuesday night. The striker is ready to trade the Bundesliga for the Premier League, but both clubs will feel they have a case.

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Sesko deadline amid new bid, Isak state of play, Arsenal exit, Liverpool latestREAD MORE: Alexander Isak’s dream Liverpool transfer in limbo as Man Utd plan Benjamin Sesko swap deal

It has been a frustrating summer so far for Newcastle. Anthony Elanga their only senior outfield signing, joining in a £55m move from Nottingham Forest, while goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has joined from Southampton.

They have missed out on other targets, though, with French striker Hugo Ekitike opting for Liverpool and Joao Pedro choosing Chelsea. It’s not just forwards who have looked elsewhere, either, with centre-back Dean Huijsen moving to Real Madrid and goalkeeper James Trafford deciding to rejoin Manchester City.

One man who could yet move to St James’ Park is Yoane Wissa. Eddie Howe’s side have so far failed to meet Brentford’s asking price for the Congolese international, who has now returned to training in West London, but there is still time left in the window.

“We’re looking for the best players that we can get,” Newcastle manager Howe said over the weekend. “Whatever our target position is, we’re looking for the best so I see all situations open and available to us. I feel that’s the only way that we’re going to get to where we want to go, which is to maximise, and it’s quality over quantity.

“It always has been. That’s always been the way that we try to work and the way that we try to recruit, and I think we’ve done it pretty well to this point.

“It’s been a challenging summer, because we’ve missed out on various targets for loads of different reasons, but we’re still very competitive, and we’re still in there trying to bring very good players to the club – and that won’t change til the window shuts.”

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