Liverpool have decided against submitting a second offer for Alexander Isak after their £110 million bid was swiftly rejected by Newcastle United.
The Premier League champions had hoped to test Newcastle’s resolve with a club-record move for the Sweden international.
However, the emphatic nature of the Magpies’ refusal has convinced them against sending in a new bid.
Liverpool’s approach came just days after Luis Diaz, who often operated through the middle last season, completed a £65.5m move to Bayern Munich.
Isak had shown a willingness to explore the possibility of a move, which led to his omission from Newcastle’s recent friendly defeat to Celtic.
Manager Eddie Howe admitted the player’s future was out of his hands at the time, as speculation intensified.
The striker has been absent from Newcastle’s tour of Asia with a minor thigh problem and has trained with former club Real Sociedad to build up fitness.
Newcastle were never prepared to part with their leading scorer, who netted 23 times in the Premier League last season and struck in the League Cup final against Liverpool.
Isak has three years remaining on his contract, and Newcastle’s decision to reject one of the biggest bids in British football history underlines their determination to retain him.
The Magpies are yet to sign a replacement striker following Callum Wilson’s departure and have endured a frustrating search for reinforcements.
They have made approaches for several forwards, including Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo, and remain in discussions over Yoane Wissa.
Their only significant summer arrival is former Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
With no breakthrough in sight, Liverpool will now consider alternative attacking options as manager Arne Slot continues to reshape the squad for his second season in England.
