Slot names the three conditions needed for Reds to seal deal for Isak

WITH baited breath and against both their better judgement and experience of asking Arne Slot such questions - the collective media at the AXA Training Centre yesterday afternoon braced themselves for an update on Alexander Isak.

- By PAUL GORST

Given that Liverpool saw an offer of £110million rejected at the start of the month before seeing the wantaway Newcastle United striker refuse to play, continue to train on his own and then after being left out of the Premier League opener at Aston Villa release an explosive statement on social media suggesting his time at St James’ Park is at an end, some might have expected Slot to have a reply lined up his sleeve.

But in the same way he continued to fend off weekly questions about Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s respective contract situations last season, the Reds head coach played the straightest of bats to the Isak topic and the prospect of a potential British record transfer.

"What I can tell you is not a lot!" he replied. "And if someone else asks the question it is going to be the same answer.

"I could even impact the game Friday (against Bournemouth last week) with the players I had on the bench.