Why Newcastle rejected Liverpool's first bid for Alexander Isak

Liverpool have had an offer for Alexander Isak rejected by Newcastle, but not due to an insufficient bid, according to reports. 

The 26-year-old has been one of the top-performing Premier League strikers in recent years, with consecutive seasons of scoring 20+ goals. Liverpool are keen on smashing their recently set transfer record to secure his services, but Newcastle are not prepared to accept the bid at the moment. 

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool submitted a bid of £120 million to Newcastle for Isak, including add-ons, which was summarily rejected. 

While the bid was short of Newcastle's alleged £150 million valuation of the Sweden international, the reported reason for rejecting the bid was that they had yet to secure the signing of a replacement. 

Isak tendered his transfer request last week, after Newcastle had lost Ekitike to Liverpool. They have been in negotiations for Benjamin Sesko, but the talks are not yet advanced; hence, the Magpies are uncomfortable losing their talisman without the guarantee of landing a replacement. 

Meanwhile, Isak is currently training in Real Sociedad’s facilities in Spain and has not joined Newcastle for pre-season. He is also being courted by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal; however, he prioritises a move to Anfield.