Liverpool agrees to crucial transfer as latest Alexander Isak domino falls

The impending sale of Ben Doak to Bournemouth could set off a chain reaction of transfers that may ultimately benefit Liverpool.

The £25 million ($33.8 million) exit of the Scottish winger is being orchestrated by the Cherries as a replacement for Dango Ouattara, whose move to Brentford was confirmed over the weekend. This should pave the way for Newcastle to finally secure Yoane Wissa, who has made it clear he wants to leave the Gtech Community Stadium.

If Wissa secures his desired move to Newcastle, it would mark the first phase of its plan to revamp its attack following Callum Wilson's departure and the controversy surrounding Alexander Isak.

The latter was subjected to chants of "one greedy b-------" from the Newcastle fans during Saturday's goalless draw at Aston Villa.

While it's doubtful that Isak heard those chants given his absence on the day, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe once again faced a barrage of questions about his unsettled star striker before and after the match.

"Of course, I've said many times I want him to train and play," Howe said. "I've had those conversations with him, but the details of these conversations need to remain private. It (training alone) is not something you ever want to see.

"You want to see him with the squad, you want to see him happy and enjoying his football. He is contracted to us. He is here, so for me, that is an unfortunate situation.

"Yes, I believe there is (a way back for Isak). But of course, discussions and talks would need to take place for that to happen. But that's for another day. Today is Aston Villa and making sure we perform as well as we can."

(Image: Getty Images)

The coverage from journalists in the North East has remained steadfast regarding Newcastle's interest in Wissa. His potential signing shouldn't be interpreted as the club facilitating Isak's departure, though it would at least allow the hierarchy to concentrate on bringing in another striker to bolster their current options, despite operating without a sporting director.

Thus far, the Magpies' search for an Isak replacement has yielded no results, having missed out on targets such as Joao Pedro and Liam Delap to Chelsea, and most recently Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United.

Howe maintains that reintegration remains possible for Isak, though whether this position stems from a wish to preserve the player's market value in the transfer window's closing weeks is known only to those within St. James' Park.

After making a £110 million ($148.9 million) bid for Isak earlier in the month, Liverpool is now biding its time, ready to re-engage if Newcastle shows any signs of wavering over its No. 14, who netted 23 Premier League goals last season.

There's been a degree of sympathy for Howe as this saga has dominated headlines and shaped the narrative at pre and post-match press conferences throughout the summer.

It's an unwelcome distraction for the Magpies' manager as he prepares his squad for a new season that includes a return to the Champions League.

"We are still active in the window and we'd love to add one or two players, but it really is quality over quantity," was the latest update from Howe, whose words were published in The Chronicle on Monday.

"We don't want to just add and I don't think we need to do too much more. We are strong and in certain areas we've got good depth and will be able and resilient enough to get through a long, tough season.

"You look at the fixtures we have beyond the first international break and it's relentless. We are going to need everybody fit and available and to contribute. So it's an important few weeks left in the window for us and we certainly need to do a little bit more."

Click here to read article