Alexander Isak agent breaks silence as Liverpool target 'close to finalising' decision

Alexander Isak's agent has hinted the player's camp are "close to finalising the next step" for the Newcastle United ace, as talk of a move to Liverpool continues to heat up. The Swede was subject to a bid from Liverpool earlier this summer, but the Premier League champions are believed to have walked away from a move for now.

That's because of Newcastle's hefty valuation for the striker, with the Magpies determined to bag around £150million for his signature, if they were to sell. It's rumoured Liverpool only offered around £120m to sign Isak, whose contract at St. James' Park expires in three years.

Despite the current impasse, there are suggestions Liverpool could relaunch their Isak pursuit, should the situation change. That might include Newcastle penning a deal for Benjamin Sesko, with the North East-based outfit having reportedly lodged a bid for the Manchester United target.

But according to Isak's agent, Gonzalo Gaitan, a decision on his future is believed to be fast approaching. He told Saudi Arabian outlet Arriyadiyah: "We are already studying and analysing all options, and we may be close to finalising the next step for the player."

It could be music to the ears of Liverpool fans, who are desperate to see their side complete the signing of one of Europe's hottest strikers this summer. Or perhaps it hints at a move to Saudi Arabia instead, with Al-Hilal believed to have been interested earlier in the window.

Newcastle fans will be hoping it means Isak is prepared to put all of the exit talk behind him and instead focus on the upcoming season. The 25-year-old had gone AWOL last month, missing Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia, before eventually returning to the club's training base.

Manager Eddie Howe has admitted that Isak won't be able to waltz straight back into his plans, telling the Daily Mail: "You have to earn the right to train with us. 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. So that is also at play here.

"We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal."

Newcastle get their season underway on August 15 away to Aston Villa, before welcoming none other than Liverpool for their second game of the campaign a week later.