Liverpool prepare £150m bid for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak has told Newcastle he wants to explore a move away from the club, talkSPORT understands.
The Swede has not travelled with Eddie Howe's squad for their pre-season tour to Singapore amid continued speculation over his future.
talkSPORT understands that Newcastle sources insist it's down to a thigh issue, despite a precautionary scan coming back clear.
Isak has informed the Magpies that he wants to explore his options, but has stopped short of an official transfer request, as of yet.
The club's hierarchy are aware of Isak's wish to consider his options this summer and isn't willing to commit to new terms, with his current contract running until 2028.
The 25-year-old has attracted interest from Liverpool this summer while also being linked with a money-spinning move to Saudi Arabia.
Alexander Isak has reportedly told Newcastle he wants out. Picture: Paul ELLIS / AFP
Premier League champions Liverpool are prepared to pay a British transfer record fee for Isak, who is valued at £150 million [$307 million AUD] .
The Reds have signed one striker already after confirming the arrival of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79m [$160 million AUD].
However, Liverpool remains an active suitor for Isak, whether now or in future transfer windows, with Newcastle's preference still to keep.
talkSPORT understands that if the Tyneside outfit's hand is forced, then they would rather do a deal to send their prized asset to Saudi Arabia rather than a Premier League rival.
Al Hilal are currently preparing a bid understood to be over £130m [$260 million AUD] for the 52-cap Sweden international.
Isak was left out of Newcastle's pre-season clash at Celtic on Saturday, with boss Howe admitting he wanted to remove him from 'scrutiny' over speculation he may leave the club.
Chelsea are preparing a bid for Leipzig and Netherlands star Xavi Simons. Picture: INA FASSBENDER / AFP
Chelsea prepare Xavi Simons bid – but face major hijack risk
Chelsea are set to make an opening bid to sign RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons, talkSPORT understands.
Simons is close to agreeing personal terms, but is also talking to other clubs with Bayern Munich and Arsenal keen as well.
The 22-year-old is prioritising a move to the Premier League as it stands and could be available for under £60 million.
That's despite Leipzig agreeing an £70 million fee with PSG in January. The breakdown of that package was £44 million guaranteed with a further £26 million in add-ons.
A large proportion of the bonuses haven't been paid yet, which is why Leipzig are prepared to sanction a sale closer to Simons' current market value.
Manchester United have expressed interest in Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins. Picture: AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth
Man United enter fresh talks over Villa star
Manchester United have made fresh contact with Aston Villa for Ollie Watkins, talkSPORT understands.
The Red Devils have identified Watkins as a target in their search for a new number nine, but any move is likely to depend on selling players first.
Villa, who have also shown interest in United's Alejandro Garnacho, value England international Watkins at £60 million.
The 29-year-old scored 50 Premier League goals across the last three seasons and was linked with a shock January move to Arsenal.
Ruben Amorim's side have already spent over £125m ahead of the new season, but are pushing ahead in their pursuit of a new striker.
Originally published as Premier League transfer latest: Alexander Isak wants out of Newcastle, bombshell Saudi move
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White House officials, frustrated by the ongoing focus on the Epstein saga, are hoping the controversy dies down while Trump is abroad, one person familiar with the matter said. with PA and Reuters
