Liverpool transfer news: Alexander Isak saga drags on amid Eddie Howe 'clueless' claim

Liverpool are back home and gearing up to face Athletic Bilbao twice at Anfield tomorrow, with Arne Slot's entire squad set to be handed some minutes with a week to go until the FA Community Shield against Crystal Palace at Wembley.

But all the focus for now remains on whether they can bring in Alexander Isak from Newcastle. A deal of £110m has been rejected by the Toon, who want significantly more for their star striker because he has three years to run on his contract. He was also set to return to the North East from Spain this weekend.

And while Liverpool have already spent close to £300m on new signings they are under no PSR pressure having already sold several fringe members of the squad while commercial and matchday revenues have grown substantially.

Here are the transfer stories worth keeping an eye on as the new season rapidly approaches

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd open Sesko talks, Liverpool to make Isak move, Arsenal learn Eze demands

'Clueless' Howe

Eddie Howe admits he is clueless over where Alexander Isak ’s future lies after Liverpool ’s rejected bid.

Isak remains away from the rest of his Magpies teammates, who are in the middle of their pre-season tour of Asia, after requesting to leave St James’ Park. Liverpool made their first effort to sign him earlier this week having lodged a £110m bid.

That was immediately rebuffed by Newcastle, who want closer to £150m, with Liverpool now prepared to walk away from any potential deal if they feel it can't be done. Amid the drama, Howe has given an update and said that he has had no contact with his star striker, while he cannot predict his immediate future.

Isak 'tantrum'

If Liverpool are to get their hands on Newcastle United talisman Alexander Isak this summer, they'll need him to "throw his toys out the pram." That's according to former Magpies forward Les Ferdinand, who affirmed his old club are "under no pressure" to cash in.

"They signed him on a big contract and he's still got a few years left with them, so they're under no pressure to sell unless he throws his toys out the pram," Ferdinand said.

Morton exit

The Reds are set to see their transfer pot replenished even further after agreeing a £15million deal to sell Tyler Morton to Lyon. The midfielder looks to be on the way to the east of France after a package including a 20 per cent sell-on clause was deemed worthy of the player's exit.

Morton, 22, helped England win the European under-21 Championships this summer and had been linked to Ipswich Town but nobody has matched Lyon's offer. The academy graduate has been present in Arne Slot's pre-season plans but failed to make a Premier League appearance under the Dutchman last term.

The departure will continue a summer that has seen a number of exits from Anfield as Liverpool haul in fees to supplment their significant spending. The Reds have already raked in £65m for Luis Diaz from Bayern Munich, £35m from Bayer Leverkusen for Jarell Quansah, £18m for Caoimhin Kelleher, £10m for Trent Alexander-Arnold and £3m for Nat Phillips.

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