With only two weeks left in the summer transfer window, the speculation around Alexander Isak’s potential move from Newcastle to Liverpool is heating up.

While players like Declan Rice and Mo Salah were celebrating at the PFA Team of the Year awards, Isak was notably missing. Instead, the Swedish striker took to social media, accusing Newcastle of failing to honour promises made earlier in the summer. Newcastle quickly denied any wrongdoing, stating they have no intention of selling their star forward before the deadline.

Liverpool, however, remain undeterred. The Premier League champions had an initial bid of around £110 million plus add-ons rejected earlier in the summer. Many believed their interest would fade after signing Hugo Ekitike, but new reports suggest that their pursuit of Isak is far from over.

According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Liverpool are preparing an improved offer. Newcastle, meanwhile, have made their stance clear: they are holding out for a fee close to £150 million. Downie hinted that the Magpies could accept slightly less if certain conditions are fulfilled.

One of those conditions is securing a replacement. Newcastle have already failed in their attempts to sign Benjamin Sesko and Ekitike, and with Callum Wilson leaving on a free transfer, the squad is short on attacking depth. They are currently chasing Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, though he is seen more as a direct replacement for Wilson rather than for Isak.

Downie suggested that if Newcastle successfully land Wissa, and if Liverpool raise their bid to around £130 million, the club may be forced to consider a sale. However, such a move would leave manager Eddie Howe with serious concerns about attacking options for the season.

For now, the standoff continues. But with the transfer deadline drawing closer, Isak’s future could deliver one of the biggest twists of the summer.