Ball is in Isak's court as Liverpool and the Magpies stand firm

ONLY hours after Liverpool had unveiled Florian Wirtz as their new number seven, it was revealed they had made their move for the player who could have been their next number nine.

- By THEO SQUIRES

The Reds had seen a bid rejected by Newcastle United for longstanding target, Alexander Isak. That offer was worth £110m.

But soon after it emerged that Liverpool’s negotiations would end there.

Given the swiftness and clarity of the Magpies’ rejection, they considered going back in with a second bid for the striker futile.

But it is not quite as simple as that amid mixed messages from St. James’ Park, despite an ongoing adamance that Newcastle do not want to sell.

Their stance to Liverpool was made crystal clear, given such clarity prompted the Reds to walk away from the table.

But their ‘not for sale’ message has never felt entirely convincing - especially given the player’s well-documented own desires.

On Thursday, it emerged that the Magpies were understood to be angry at being forced to play a waiting game, waiting for Liverpool to make an official bid for the Swede.

Yet such anger is arguably pointed in the wrong place, and maybe even gives the game away with regards to the Magpies’ actual transfer stance.

After all, regardless of any unwanted speculation, why would you be angry at the lack of bid for a player you insist you don’t want to sell?

Well-aware of Isak’s initial desire for a new contract, they only have themselves to blame for not rushing to tie down his future until it was too late.

With his head now turned, they find themselves backed into a corner - regardless of Liverpool briefing that they now do not intend to bid again.

The striker has still made it clear that he wants to leave the club and is currently training with his former side, Real Sociedad, after missing their tour of the Far East due to a minor injury.

Newcastle will return to the United Kingdom after they face Tottenham Hotspur in Seoul on Sunday August 3, when Isak is expected to reunite with his coaches and teammates for the first time since his desire to leave emerged publicly.