Newcastle Utd remains unmoved on Alexander Isak’s transfer despite ‘growing feeling’ in Liverpool

Big claims have been made on Alexander Isak, as Liverpool is credited with an offer for the Swedish star.

Newcastle United has not publicly responded to reports of an approach from Liverpool for Alexander Isak, but club insiders confirm the player is not for sale.

The Athletic have suggested a £120 million valuation, but Newcastle have not replied, as Isak remains in Austria with the Magpies.

It is customary to remain silent until a formal bid is presented, which does not validate the assertions made today. Meanwhile, sources on Merseyside stress that no one from Liverpool has had any official contact with anyone in Newcastle.

United’s position on Isak has always been that the striker is not for sale and that Newcastle wants to offer him a new deal.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Isak is considering a new challenge with the Premier League champions.

When asked publicly in May following Newcastle’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal, head coach Eddie Howe declined to rule out the striker’s exit.

The Gunners have withdrawn their interest in Isak. According to Chronicle Live, Arsenal were informed of a hefty offer from Newcastle for the Swedish striker.

That contract offer is set to make him the club’s highest-paid player, as well as the highest-paid Newcastle star in Toon history. However, no agreement has been reached at this point.

Back in May, Howe stated, “I never make those guarantees about any player.” It has nothing to do with Alex’s future; it would be ridiculous for me to sit here and do anything like that.”

The truth is that Newcastle would have to accept an expensive bid from Liverpool in order to reach an agreement. But who would make that decision? CEO Darren Eales is on his way out at St James’ Park. Sporting director Paul Mitchell has left the building already.

Howe won’t want to sell Isak but may not have the last word if the club’s owners overrule him. The good for Newcastle is that Isak remains under contract and the attitude of the board before was that the striker is not for sale and that would be back by Howe.

Howe has not seen the media since May and his next prospective Press conference will be after Saturday’s game against Celtic in Glasgow.

The Isak reports surface only 24 hours after a bid for Hugo Ekitike was confirmed at the Eintracht Frankfurt conclusion of procedures.

Discussions about Ekitike have not reached a conclusion. While the initial offer of just under £70 million was rejected, there is plenty of room for a second bid.

Exclusive: Newcastle confirms Conor Gallagher’s £50 million bid will be accepted

Newcastle United have been informed that a £50 million proposal for Conor Gallagher would be accepted by Atletico Madrid this summer.

On the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior journalist Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have told him about the 25-year-old’s possible return to the Premier League from Spain.

Ateltico are not actively looking to sell the England midfielder, believing he still has a “huge” role to play in Diego Simeone’s squad, but would be willing to sell for the right price.

This comes after former Manchester United head scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle are looking to add Gallagher to boost their midfield.

Howe is said to be a big fan of Gallagher and is looking to bolster his midfield options, with Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley linked with moves elsewhere.

According to sources, the agreement will be determined by the former Chelsea player’s future plans and his desire to return to the Premier League.

Chelsea’s Connor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher could relocate to Newcastle. (credit: Getty Images) )

Newcastle and Tottenham are considering a trade for Conor Gallagher.

Newcastle are not the only club interested in Gallagher; Tottenham are also intrigued, having failed to sign him from Chelsea last summer.

The midfielder hopes to play regularly next season in order to make Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad in 2026.

However, O’Rourke stated that it would be a “surprise” if he left Atletico Madrid this summer, amid increasing interest from Premier League clubs.

“I’d be surprised, in all honesty,” he told Football Insider.

“It’s not surprising that Premier League clubs will be interested in Gallagher because he’s a good player who has proven himself for both England and Chelsea.

“I don’t believe he’s actively for sale.

“Atletico Madrid may sell if they receive the proper offer, as reported by the Spanish media, and they may sell him if the offer is too good to refuse.

“Gallagher was in and out of the team and wasn’t playing in his ideal position.

“But he still has an important role to play for Atletico Madrid.”

“A lot will depend on where Gallagher sees his future; he has a big year ahead of him, and he’ll want to play regularly to break into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.”

“He joined Atletico for roughly £40 million from Chelsea last year, and it will take a lot more to get him go.

“Atletico will only contemplate selling him if the price is around £50 million.

“I’m not sure Premier League clubs will be willing to go to those levels, but if he is on the market, it doesn’t surprise me that Newcastle are looking at him.”

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe intends to strengthen his squad. (credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Eddie Howe announces new James Trafford offer.

Along with Gallagher, Howe hopes to bring the midfielder’s England international teammate James Trafford to St James’ Park.

On 11 July, Football Insider exclusively learned that Newcastle are considering a second bid for Trafford as they remain determined to complete the transfer.

The new bid is thought to be around £22 million up front, with add-ons pushing it close to £40 million as they attempt to persuade Burnley to cash in.

This comes after Football Insider reported that Newcastle could have to overpay for Trafford following Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League.

Chelsea gets transfer favor from Newcastle as massive £52 million deal is agreed. Chelsea has been active in the transfer market this summer and has been granted a favour by Newcastle

Chelsea Receive Surprise Transfer Boost from Newcastle as Major Deal Shakes Up Market

Chelsea’s summer transfer activity has taken an unexpected twist following a strategic favour from Newcastle United. With Stamford Bridge already buzzing from several incomings and outgoings, the Blues have now been given a timely advantage by the Magpies. A blockbuster deal has been agreed that reshapes more than one club’s transfer strategy—and Chelsea could emerge as one of the key beneficiaries.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca could be prepared to sell Noni Madueke if the Blues get over £50million (Image: GETTY)

The ripple effect of Newcastle’s high-profile agreement is already being felt across the Premier League. By sanctioning a move involving a major player, Newcastle have not only balanced their books but indirectly cleared a pathway for Chelsea to push forward with one of their own transfer ambitions. Timing has proven crucial, and Stamford Bridge insiders believe this unexpected assist from Tyneside could help unlock a stalled pursuit.

The deal in question saw Newcastle reach terms with another club for a marquee player who had been on Chelsea’s radar earlier in the window. With the Magpies stepping aside from further negotiations around the same position, Chelsea now face significantly less competition. The market for that role has thinned, and the Blues now have breathing room to structure their ideal bid.

Sources close to Chelsea’s recruitment team have quietly acknowledged that Newcastle’s decision has reduced pressure in a highly contested area of the market. What had been a congested chase involving several top English sides now feels like a clearer run. Chelsea’s negotiators, always strategic in timing, are now preparing to reopen discussions with a player who had previously been hesitant due to the number of interested clubs.

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s decision to pursue and complete their own big-money move was born out of necessity. The club needed to address a particular squad deficiency ahead of their European campaign and acted decisively. In doing so, they inadvertently lightened the market for other top sides, including Chelsea. It’s a rare situation where two competitors may both walk away satisfied.

This shift could not have come at a better time for Chelsea. The Blues have been carefully managing their spending this summer, choosing to focus on youth and long-term value rather than short-term splashes. But they have also remained in the market for a game-changing addition in one or two key positions. With Newcastle now out of the frame for one of those positions, Chelsea have found themselves in a far stronger position to negotiate.

The favour wasn’t intentional—clubs rarely plan to help their rivals—but in the unpredictable theatre of the transfer window, these moments of indirect assistance can be golden. The Chelsea board, led by their sporting directors and senior scouts, are now prioritising how to capitalise on this new opportunity without drawing too much attention.

Reports suggest Chelsea’s priority target is now more open to joining, encouraged by the idea of regular football and less direct competition for starting spots. The player’s camp has re-engaged with Chelsea representatives, and talks have resumed with a more positive tone. There is still work to be done, but the mood at Cobham is one of quiet confidence.

As the deal involving Newcastle becomes official, Chelsea have subtly repositioned themselves in the race for one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. With fewer hurdles and an accelerated timeline, the possibility of a late-summer swoop has grown significantly. The club is expected to firm up its interest within days.

The dynamics of the transfer market can shift dramatically from one day to the next. What was once a logjam is now an open lane, and Chelsea have the chance to take full advantage. They remain cautious, however, aware that other clubs may re-enter the fray. Speed and discretion will be key in the coming days.

Beyond this, Chelsea are also monitoring how the dominoes from the Newcastle deal affect valuations elsewhere. When a top club spends big, agents and selling clubs adjust their expectations. Chelsea’s financial team is working hard to ensure that they don’t overpay or walk into inflated deals caused by a sudden burst of activity.

This summer has been a transitional one for the Blues. The focus has shifted from glamour signings to sustainable growth. The squad is younger, more athletic, and increasingly built around a core of high-potential stars. The indirect help from Newcastle comes as Chelsea look to fine-tune rather than rebuild.

In training, the atmosphere remains high. The coaching staff are encouraged by the physical condition and attitude of the current squad. However, they know that another key arrival could elevate performance levels further and inject a competitive edge ahead of a demanding season.

Chelsea fans have been patiently waiting for another statement signing, and this twist in the market could provide just that. While many expected Chelsea to remain quiet after early-window business, this shift may prompt a late, targeted move with real impact.

Club legends and pundits alike have been vocal about the need for reinforcement in one particular area. With the path now clearer, Chelsea’s recruitment team are under pressure to deliver. They have the backing, the data, and now—thanks to Newcastle—the market conditions to make it happen.

This scenario underscores the unpredictable nature of Premier League dealings. One club’s move affects many others, and opportunistic executives must always be ready to pounce. Chelsea have shown time and again that they are among the most adaptable operators in the transfer world.

As Newcastle officially unveil their new signing, Chelsea will likely continue to work behind the scenes. The stage is now set for a calculated push, one that could see the Blues benefit from Tyneside’s big play without ever having lifted a finger.

For Chelsea, this favour could be the turning point in a transfer window that had appeared steady but unspectacular. With rivals distracted or satisfied, the door has creaked open—and Stamford Bridge may yet roar with the arrival of one more star.

All eyes now turn to what Chelsea will do next. The pressure is on, the pieces are in place, and thanks to Newcastle’s boldness, the Blues have the perfect opportunity to strike at exactly the right moment.