Arne Slot reveals three conditions that must be met to complete Alexander Isak transfer

Arne Slot has hinted that Liverpool could still pursue a deal for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak in the final days of the summer transfer window. Isak is desperate to leave the Magpies for Liverpool – and it seems he could still get his wish.

The Swedish striker informed Newcastle in late July that he wanted to leave the club, but Liverpool’s opening offer of £110million was rejected. He has been stuck in limbo ever since, refusing to play for the Magpies while hoping that the Reds will return with another offer that they can’t refuse.

Isak accused his employers of breaking a promise over his exit in a major escalation of the saga earlier this week. And in a twist of fate, the two clubs meet in the Premier League on Monday night at St James’ Park.

Liverpool have already spent over £300m on signings this summer and remain in negotiations with Crystal Palace over Marc Guehi. Slot has sold Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz this summer after the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and hinted that a deal could still be done for Isak.

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Asked if it would be a busy end to the window for Liverpool, Slot told a pre-match press conference: "I don't think [so], because [that would mean] I would be unhappy with the squad and I am happy with the squad we are having.

"I say two players for each position is ideal but sometimes less is more so you are not disappointing players. I am happy with the squad but if we think there is a player who can really make us better then this club has always shown they can bring them in.

"But it needs to be everything we want: right transfer fee, right position and the player wants to come to us."

Liverpool have two of those conditions in place, with the need for a striker clear and Isak desperate to make the switch. But it remains to be seen whether they can agree the right transfer fee, with Newcastle still publicly insisting that Isak can be reintegrated to the squad.

The Magpies’ statement, in response to Isak’s, suggested they would sell for the right price, believed to be around £150m. It read: “As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired. We do not foresee those conditions being met.”

In the meantime, the two clubs have to focus on playing each other on Monday. “The main thing we have to be ready for is their midfield, their last line,” Slot said. “I assume Isak is not playing from what I read in the media.

“But they still have Anthony Gordon as a nine, they still have Anthony Elanga as a right-winger and Harvey Barnes from the left. This is the Premier League – we all have options and Newcastle have them as well."

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