Alexander Isak's transfer preference as Liverpool and Saudi Arabia eye Newcastle star

Alexander Isak prefers a transfer to Liverpool this summer over a money-spinning switch to Saudi Arabia.

Newcastle United star Isak has told the Magpies that he would like to leave the club, and has not joined the squad on their pre-season tour of Asia. The Magpies have put his absence down to 'minor thigh injury', but are now dealing with a situation that they had hoped to avoid this summer.

The Times report that Isak has rejected Newcastle's attempts to commit his future to the club, and instead would like to explore his options over a potential move away. The report adds that Isak would be asking for around £300,000 a week in order to stay on Tyneside, with Newcastle only willing to stretch to around £200,000 a week.

Such a contract would make the Swede the highest-paid player in Newcastle's history, with the likes of Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali all earning around £150,000 a week. Isak currently earns £120k a week.

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Liverpool have expressed their interest in signing Isak and would hope to do a deal at around £120m, while Saudi Pro Leagueside Al-Hilal would be able to offer staggering wages of around £500,000 a week after tax.

Despite that, The Times report adds that Isak still sees his future in top level European football, and he would prioritise a switch to Premier League champions Liverpool even thought the Reds wouldn't be able to offer Saudi-like terms.

Liverpool have embarked upon a busy summer in the transfer market, and on Wednesday confirmed the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt for an initial £69m which could rise to £79m.

Ekitike had been a Newcastle target, and rejected a switch to Tyneside three times, but LIverpool's move for him doesn't mean that they would not be able to pull off a deal for Isak. On the contrary, the Reds' healthy PSR position makes them one of the few European sides who could afford the 25-year-old.

Arne Slot's side are also expected to raise capital from the sales of several players before the closure of the transfer window, with Luis Diaz being targeted by Bayern Munich, Harvey Elliott wanted by West Ham and Darwin Nunez eyed by Italian, Spanish and Saudi clubs.

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