It begins: Newcastle United have rejected a formal approach from Liverpool for Alexander Isak
It was only a matter of time before Liverpool made their move for Alexander Isak, and that time has passed, and Newcastle United have held strong.
It's only the first attempt, sure, but the extra detail provided by David Ornstein is encouraging for Newcastle United fans.
After making an initial informal approach, stating that Liverpool would be willing to pay £120 million for Alexander Isak, which was rejected by Newcastle, the Reds have now reportedly made an official offer.
Writing for The Athletic, Ornstein has stated that Newcastle have not rejected an official approach by Liverpool for the Sweden striker.
Isak may have to sign a new deal with Newcastle in order to get a move next year
The report doesn't state what the bid was, merely pointing back to Liverpool's intention to offer £120 million, but as that was rejected by Newcastle, the actual offer may have been increased.
Meanwhile, Ornstein also states that Newcastle still want to tie Isak down to a new deal on improved terms with a release clause baked in. Isak is maintaining his stance that he wants to move, however.
If Newcastle keep rejecting Liverpool's advances, then Isak signing a new deal with a release clause is likely how it's going to have to pan out, as it gives Newcastle another year with Isak and gives him an escape route next summer.
How will Newcastle fans react to another year of Isak?
If Isak signs a new deal with a release clause, that gives him an incentive to continue performing for Newcastle, as if he has a shocking season where he doesn't look interested, it's hardly going to make clubs want to sign him.
The question is, if this is how it all pans out, how will the Newcastle fans react? Tensions are high, and there's a lot of animosity being directed towards Isak right now from certain quarters of the fanbase.
It still feels like there's a long way to go before we get to a conclusion here, but Newcastle appear to be fighting hard to retain their star man for at least another season.
