
Alexander Isak's agent breaks silence on transfer saga as Liverpool told 'next step' message
Alexander Isak's agent has finally addressed the transfer rumours linking the Newcastle forward with a move to Liverpool. Isak, 25, has been at the centre of intense speculation over the past week.
Liverpool reportedly made an enquiry to Newcastle about a potential British record-breaking deal. The Reds were said to have been prepared to fork out £120million on the Swedish striker.
But Newcastle have stood firm on their stance that Isak is not for sale, leading Liverpool to shift their focus towards Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike in the form of a £70m bid.
Now, Isak's representative Gonzalo Gaitan has opened up about the situation to Saudi Arabian newspaper Arriyadiyah, with Isak also having been linked to Saudi Pro League sides.
Gaitan said: "We are indeed studying and analysing all options, and we may be close to finalising the next step for the player. Without revealing any details regarding whether Isak will transfer or stay with Newcastle."
Meanwhile, Magpies head coach Eddie Howe revealed that Isak was sent back from Newcastle's pre-season defeat to Celtic on Saturday due to the ongoing transfer talk.
Howe, speaking to the media post-match, confirmed the reasoning behind his decision. He also expressed his belief that, despite the rumours, he didn't see Isak leaving the club this summer.
Howe said: "It was my decision [to leave out Isak]. I decided to send him home due to all the speculation around him.
"The last thing he wanted was to be sat in the stands watching. That wasn't fair to him. But I am confident he will be a Newcastle United player come the end of this window.'
Howe continued: "It's difficult for me to give 100 per cent clarity on any player. Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, the team. I'm confident he'll be here at the start of the season."
Isak has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal following his stunning displays over the past few seasons on Tyneside.
His goalscoring form in England has improved year on year since joining in 2022, with the Sweden international netting 27 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions last season.

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