Isak saga drags on as Liverpool chase marquee striker's signature

WILL he? Won't he?

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

Liverpool's attempt to sign star striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle - in a second blockbuster deal of the transfer window for the league champions - has become the trending transfer saga.

By all accounts, the lethal Swedish finisher has informed the Tyneside giants that he wants out, after refusing to extend his contract, with Merseyside his preferred destination.

He missed out on their recent preseason tour of South Korea, prompting fears among Newcastle fans that they had seen the last of the lanky striker in the iconic black-and-white kit.

It is clear his head has been turned by the attentions of the Reds, who have embarked on a massive spending spree expected to top €500m by the close of the window.

Yet Liverpool's recent £110m offer for their talisman, plus add-ons, was rejected flat out by the Magpies.

It is no wonder.

The sale of striker Callum Wilson has left the Magpies with little in the way of forward stocks for a team returning to the Champions League.