What is happening with Alexander Isak after contract demand and Liverpool transfer call

Alexander Isak's situation has quickly become the story of the summer, despite Newcastle's insistence that he is not going anywhere. The striker has been heavily linked with a move away from St James' Park nevertheless, with Liverpool now ready to pounce if he does become available.

Liverpool are willing to break the Premier League transfer record for the second time this summer to secure the signature of Isak, and with Eddie Howe hinting that there is a touch of uncertainty around the situation, they may be holding out some hope.

Express Sport takes a look at the latest news surrounding the situation...

Mammoth wage demands emerge

Newcastle are hoping that tying Isak down to a new contract would fend off interest, but they will need to break their wage structure to get the former Real Sociedad star to put pen to paper on a longer deal.

According to talkSPORT, Isak has told the Magpies that they must offer him a £300,000-a-week salary if he is to sign a contract deal on Tyneside. Such demands are attainable for Liverpool and Saudi Pro League sides, but they would blow Newcastle's structure out of the water.

Liverpool sign the Isak alternative

Arne Slot's side have acted quickly to sign the direct alternative to Isak - Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman was unveiled as a new Liverpool player on Wednesday evening, joining the club from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79million.

Acquiring the services of the 23-year-old has not put an end to the Reds' pursuit of Isak though, and the Anfield outfit do envision a world in which both can start together on Merseyside.

Injury blow

Liverpool supporters were sent into a frenzy when pictures emerged of Isak training alone, fuelling speculation that he'd been isolated from the rest of his Newcastle teammates due to some form of transfer negotiations.

However, that does not appear to be the case. NewcastleWorld reports that Isak is currently suffering with a thigh problem and has undergone a scan on the injury. The scan result is said to have been all clear, but the Magpies were unwilling to take any risks with their No. 14 and opted to let him get back up to speed on his own specialised training programme.