LONDON – Newcastle United have rejected Liverpool’s opening bid to sign unsettled Sweden striker Alexander Isak, according to reports on Aug 1.

Isak has been training at his old club Real Sociedad this week after reportedly telling Newcastle he wants to leave St James’ Park.

The 25-year-old has been linked with the Reds since the end of last season and the Premier League champions are now believed to have formalised their interest with an offer of around £110 million (S$188 million) plus potential add-ons.

But Newcastle, who reportedly value Isak at £150 million, remain keen to hold on to their prize asset and have rebuffed Liverpool’s initial bid.

Isak, who joined Newcastle in a £60 million move from Real Sociedad in 2022, scored 23 Premier League goals last season to help the Magpies qualify for the Champions League.

He has three years left on his Newcastle contract, but

did not travel to Asia for the Magpies’ ongoing pre-season tour

On July 31, Real Sociedad confirmed he was at their Zubieta facility with his own trainers.

It was reported on Aug 1 that Newcastle had told Isak he could agree a new deal containing a get-out clause for 2026, but he responded by insisting he wants to move now.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has already bolstered his attacking options by

signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike