ROCKY ROAD TO ANFIELD

Reds get their man at last as Isak signs

- BY CHRIS MCKENNA X@cmckennasport

WHEN Liverpool bid £110million for Alexander Isak on August 1, they were taken aback by how forcefully the offer was rejected by Newcastle.

So much so that the Reds decided they would not reengage with the Magpies until they received encouragement.

It was a huge bid but Newcastle were not willing to discuss terms.

Yet Liverpool were aware that the Swedish star was effectively on strike, trying to force the move. There was plenty in their favour.

Newcastle's valuation of £150m was never a figure the Merseysiders would go to - that was made clear from the off. Compromise would have to be reached.

Isak then doubled down on his determination to leave during a meeting with members of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and co-owner Jamie Reuben - despite offers of more money and the introduction of a release clause written into a new deal.

Newcastle knew the time had come to get back around the negotiating table. Their capture of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart also helped break the impasse and, in the end, a figure of £125m was agreed with the Reds for the striker.