Liverpool 'preparing' second transfer bid for Alexander Isak: Why next week will be "so interesting"

Newcastle United are reportedly braced for a second offer for Alexander Isak after they rejected the first bid from Liverpool.

The Reds reportedly submitted an opening bid for Isak, worth around £120m package plus add-ons, but it was swiftly rejected.

The Magpies value the Sweden international at around £150m, and they are under no pressure to sell him as the striker has a contract at St James' Park until 2028.

Isak has already informed Newcastle about his desire to explore new opportunities this summer, but the Magpies are unlikely to let him go unless they find a top-quality replacement.

Despite spending in the north of £300m, Liverpool are willing to smash the Premier League transfer record to sign Isak, who scored 23 goals in the Premier League last season, second only to Mohamed Salah.

Next week could be 'interesting' in Isak chase

Keith Downie has suggested that the next week could be 'interesting' when Isak returns to Newcastle training on Monday.

The Sky Sports journalist says that Liverpool are unlikely to wait until the end of the window to sign the 25-year-old, and the deal could be struck as early as next week.

Isak has reportedly given his verbal consent to move to Anfield, and meeting personal terms would not be a problem at all.

Downie told Sky Sports: "Next week will be so interesting. Newcastle and Isak return on Monday and it will be interesting to see if Liverpool return with a second offer. Personal terms would not be a problem.

"It could be done next week. I don't see it dragging on until the end of the transfer window.

"It's a huge transfer and would be a Premier League record. I think if it is to happen, it will happen within the next week or 10 days. The longer it goes on, the less likely it is to be done."

Liverpool are not done yet in the transfer market

Seven players have already arrived this summer, but the Reds could still add more to their ranks, including Isak, before the window closes.

The Reds need a quality centre-back after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayern Leverkusen, and they are reportedly keen to sign Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi, who is valued at around £45m.

Liverpool are unlikely to sign a new winger despite selling Diaz, and they are fixated on landing a striker; more precisely, Isak.

Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa could reportedly be offloaded this summer, while Harvey Elliott, Ben Doak and Tyler Morton are also facing uncertain futures.