Exclusive with Graeme Bailey.
Newcastle United’s chances of keeping Alexander Isak at the club this summer are growing increasingly slim, Rousing The Kop can exclusively reveal.
Isak has become frustrated with the Magpies after they failed to deliver on what he felt was the promise of a new contract last summer.
That culminated in the Swedish striker informing Newcastle of his desire to leave on Thursday.
And after Liverpool signalled their intent to make Isak the costliest signing in British transfer history, a move to Anfield is becoming more likely.
Having already informed Newcastle of their readiness to make a big offer, RTK understands Liverpool are readying their move.
No animosity between Liverpool and Newcastle
After Liverpool made an initial approach to Newcastle over Isak earlier in July, there were suggestions that the Reds had upset their Premier League counterparts. However, RTK understands that this was absolutely not the case.
The two clubs are known to have a good relationship behind the scenes, helped by the fact Richard Hughes and Eddie Howe are close friends away from football.
The respect between Hughes and Howe is understood to have helped matters in terms of Isak, and means there is little chance of the saga turning ugly.
“Richard Hughes is going to be very respectful of Newcastle and Eddie Howe, he’s one of his best friends in football,” RTK transfer expert Graeme Bailey explains. “Whatever happens, I don’t envisage it getting really messy. They’ve got so much respect for each other and it’s being handled professionally.”
READ MORE: How much Newcastle will let Alexander Isak join Liverpool for after striker submits transfer request
“I’d be very surprised if now knowing that Isak wants to leave, Liverpool don’t do anything about it,” Bailey adds.
“Did Liverpool know he wanted to leave when they made their approach earlier this month? Quite possibly. It’s going to be very hard for Newcastle to keep him now, it really is. The way this is playing out is exactly how Liverpool wanted it to.”
Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez exits still likely
With Liverpool having spent so much in the transfer window already, some question marks have arrived over how they could possibly afford to sign Isak as well.
Sales are likely to play a big part in this, and RTK understands that exits for Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez – as well as Federico Chiesa – are still expected this summer.
Liverpool have so far stood firm over Diaz amid interest from Bayern Munich. However, Bayern are understood to believe the Reds are softening their stance and are expecting a deal for the Colombian to be completed.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia remains the most likely destination for Nunez. Once both sales are completed, Liverpool will have no concerns at all over spending £120-£150m on Isak.
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