Newcastle 'ready to sell Alexander Isak' as huge step taken towards Liverpool transfer

Newcastle United are reportedly prepared to cash in on Alexander Isak if they are successful in signing Benjamin Sesko. Liverpool have been waiting for a signal to push forward with a second bid for the Swedish striker after seeing an initial £110million offer knocked back.

Isak has informed Newcastle bosses that he wants to explore his options before asking to be left out of their recent pre-season trip to Asia. He returned to the Magpies' HQ on Monday after spending some time training alone at the facilities of his old club, Real Sociedad, in Spain, and is understood to have discussed his future with Eddie Howe.

Newcastle have been desperate to keep hold of their star centre-forward this summer but Isak pushing to leave has seemingly forced their hand. And according to talkSPORT, they will finally be willing to concede defeat and sanction his exit if they sign his replacement, Sesko, from RB Leipzig.

Liverpool would still need to up their bid to beyond the British record £116m fee they paid for Florian Wirtz in June. They reportedly have no intention of matching Newcastle's £150m asking price, but the development will give Anfield chiefs renewed hope that they can land Isak, who has surpassed 20 Premier League goals in each of the last two seasons.

The Reds now have a vested interest in Newcastle making progress in their pursuit of Sesko, who is also the subject of serious interest from Manchester United.

The Toon offered Leipzig a £78m package on Monday which could yet be accepted, but Sesko's preference may be the determining factor. United are yet to lodge a bid of their own and may only do so if they are told that Sesko favours a move to Old Trafford.

Liverpool have already spent £79m on Hugo Ekitike this summer but the former Eintracht Frankfurt striker could be shifted out to the left wing or demoted to the bench if Isak joins him on Merseyside.

Isak has risked souring his relationship with Newcastle supporters by trying to force his way out of the north-east. And Howe laid down the law before he and the squad returned from their pre-season tour.

"You have to earn the right to train with us," he said. "We are Newcastle United. The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad. You have to act in the right way. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal."