Alexander Isak to Liverpool moves step closer as massive striker bid made

Newcastle have seen an opening bid for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen rejected as they step up their efforts to bring in forwards before the summer transfer window closes.

It emerged on Thursday that the Magpies were keen on signing the Norway international after missing out on a succession of other strikers. Newcastle are increasingly desperate to sign a striker after Joao Pedro and Liam Delap both joined Chelsea, Hugo Ekitike signed for Liverpool and Benjamin Sesko opted for Manchester United.

They lost Callum Wilson on a free transfer to West Ham, while Alexander Isak is in exile and refusing to play for the club while he hopes for a move to Liverpool. Eddie Howe was forced to play Anthony Gordon as the central attacker in their opening game of the season and needs reinforcements before the window closes on September 1.

Newcastle have been chasing Yoane Wissa, but have seen two bids rejected by Brentford, with the latest worth £40million. They have now experienced similar resistance at Wolves, who have knocked back an offer worth £50m for Strand Larsen.

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The Express and Star says that Wolves don’t consider him to be available for any price. Strand Larsen is not pushing for a transfer, but reportedly agreed personal terms with Newcastle last week.

The situation is extremely important for Isak’s hopes of forcing through a move to Liverpool. Newcastle need to sign two strikers if they are to let the Swede depart, but they have so far been frustrated at every turn.

Liverpool saw a bid worth £110m rejected by Newcastle at the start of August and are yet to have returned with another offer. The Magpies value Isak at £150m but will only sell if they have replacements.

Strand Larsen only officially joined Wolves this summer from Celta Vigo after the club paid £23m to turn his move into a permanent transfer having initially spent £2.5m on a loan fee. He is valued at £60m after scoring 14 Premier League goals in 35 appearances last season but it remains to be seen if they would be willing to cash in on their first-choice No.9 so late in the window.

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira does not want to lose Strand Larsen, who has started both Premier League games this season. "He's a very important player for us. I never talk with him about it. He's our player,” he said.

“When I watch him on the training, he's committed with everybody, committed with the team. He's a fighter. He likes to win. He's preparing himself to play tomorrow."

It is a similar case at Brentford, where manager Keith Andrews wants to keep hold of Wissa. "What goes on is going on at every single club I imagine, up and down the land, the disruptive nature of it. But the focus is on the group tomorrow,” he said on Monday.

"So, Yoane won't be involved. But as far as I'm concerned, there's been no movement in any way and fully expect Yoane to be here come next Tuesday."

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