Alexander Isak suffers fresh blow to Liverpool transfer hope thanks to Premier League rival

Liverpool continue to be linked with a British record transfer for Alexander Isak but Newcastle’s own struggles in the market are making any potential deal even harder to do

Alexander Isak could be left in limbo beyond Monday’s transfer deadline as Newcastle’s attempts to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen before the summer window closes face continued resistance from Wolves.

Isak, 25, wants a move to Liverpool and is adamant that he has played his final game for Newcastle. The Magpies, however, do not want to sell their star striker after a difficult summer window and are still actively trying to bolster their attacking options before Monday night’s 7pm deadline. The only way that the Toon will, apparently, countenance selling is if they can sign TWO strikers in the coming days.

Norway hitman Strand Larsen has emerged as a serious target in recent weeks following a failed attempt to prise Yoane Wissa away from Brentford. Two bids have already been rejected by Wolves’ top brass, though, and the chances of a deal would appear to be slim – even though the Norway international has made it known he is keen on making such a move. The player and his representatives have made it known to the Molineux hierarchy that they are keen on moving to St James’ Park and playing in the Champions League.

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But Wolves have insisted that it will not possible for him to leave in the current transfer window. For his part, Strand Larsen has, so far, insisted he will not push to leave. Wolves boss Vitor Pereira insisted on Tuesday night that he was sure the forward would not do such a thing, even though he conceded that “every player has a price”.

It emerged on Wednesday that Newcastle were preparing an improved £60million offer for Strand Larsen after seeing two previous bids rejected, including a £55m proposal which coincided with the striker’s two-goal cameo in the Carabao Cup win over West Ham.

Wolves are looking for a striker of their own to supplement Strand Larsen, who marked his maiden season in English football with 14 Premier League goals, rather than replace him. If Strand Larsen is still a Wolves player beyond Monday night, he is likely to be handed a new contract.

News that another Newcastle target is unlikely to move will not be welcomed at Anfield; Liverpool remain keen on the idea of bolstering their new-look attack with Isak as the centrepiece and are expected to return to the table with a second proposal in the coming days.

There is an acceptance, though, that Newcastle are highly unlikely to sell their top asset without securing quality signings of their own beforehand. Isak has yet to play for Newcastle this season and is unmoved on his desire to join Liverpool despite talks with members of the club’s hierarchy before the two teams met in the Premier League on Monday night.

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