Newcastle United find themselves in a complex position over the potential transfer of Alexander Isak. The forward has reportedly expressed a desire to leave, escalating speculation following his agent’s initial hints, refusal to extend his contract, and absence from the squad’s Asian tour for its second leg. Manager Eddie Howe confirmed Isak would not join the team on this trip and described the transfer window as “challenging.” Adding to the complexity, Newcastle are preparing for a possible official bid from Liverpool. According to reports, the club’s internal opinion is divided on whether to reject all offers firmly or enter negotiations. Liverpool’s renewed interest appears linked to the expected departure of Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich, freeing up approximately £65 million. The Reds believe they have adequate left-sided options to pursue Isak if Newcastle are willing to negotiate. Newcastle’s asking price is said to be around £150 million, which would eclipse the British transfer record recently set by Liverpool’s £116 million signing of Florian Wirtz. Nonetheless, Liverpool are considered financially capable of surpassing this figure in pursuit of Isak. The situation underscores a tense and potentially transformative transfer window ahead for both clubs.

The 2025/26 season’s transfer speculation continues to captivate Premier League followers. Manchester United recently turned down a €20 million offer from Real Betis for a stake in Antony’s player rights, according to SPORT. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, currently sidelined by injury, has been linked with a surprising potential move to rivals Tottenham Hotspur and interest from Newcastle United, per CaughtOffside. Despite this, Arsenal is expected to resist selling key players Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard, as detailed by Football Transfers.

Liverpool’s target Alexander Isak has dismissed a lucrative offer from Al Hilal that would have made him one of football’s highest earners, reports Mundo Deportivo. Attention in the transfer market also centers on Manchester City preparing an unprecedented €250 million bid for Cole Palmer, who joined Chelsea two years ago for £45 million, as claimed by Fichajes.

Interest in Aleksandar Mitrović from Manchester United, Newcastle, and Tottenham remains, with Newcastle also linked to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško. However, Šeško is reportedly more inclined to join Manchester United, according to Guido Schäfer.

To neutralize Real Madrid’s interest, Manchester City plans to offer Rodri a new five-year contract, according to Fichajes. Barcelona, meanwhile, is reportedly willing to sell academy graduate Gerard Martín for as little as €15 million, with Premier League clubs showing interest, according to El Nacional.

Finally, Xabi Alonso has made a decision to move on Raúl Asencio, putting the defender’s future in doubt, reports OK Diario.

Manchester United have not formally withdrawn their interest in Benjamin Šeško, continuing discussions internally over the possibility of competing with Newcastle United to sign the RB Leipzig striker.

Currently, Newcastle remain the only confirmed suitors, but sources indicate that United see Šeško as an option should they secure the necessary funds.

Key figures at Manchester United, including manager Ruben Amorim, are set to deliberate on an approach. They are mindful of Newcastle’s interest, recognising that time may be limited to act decisively.

Acquiring Šeško is expected to be a costly affair, with German reports estimating a price exceeding €70 million (£61.2 million). United currently face financial constraints and focus primarily on player sales to facilitate any major acquisitions.

Aside from Šeško, United are pursuing other targets such as Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. They have also been presented with the opportunity to acquire Dušan Vlahović from Juventus.

Previously, United hesitated over Šeško’s valuation, and even if they join the race, the player’s willingness to move to Old Trafford is uncertain. Šeško declined a move to Manchester United in 2023, stating, “It was very important for me to go to a place that plays a similar style of football. I already knew what I had to do and didn’t have to go through a whole learning process again.”