The Swedish forward's future at St James' Park has become a major talking point this summer. Newcastle have publicly insisted Isak is not for sale, but the 25-year-old has accused the club of breaking promises over his future and has refused to train or play, including missing sessions ahead of their clash with Liverpool on August 25.

"My relationship with Newcastle can't continue," Isak has said in a statement, highlighting his desire to join Liverpool exclusively and rejecting any other options, including from Saudi club Al Hilal.

Liverpool have maintained strong interest in Isak, viewing him as a top target for Arne Slot's attack. The Reds have prepared a fresh bid in the 120 million to 130 million pounds range, following an initial offer of 110 million pounds plus add-ons that Newcastle rejected.

Sources have indicated Liverpool will only proceed if Newcastle signal openness, but the Magpies' stance hinges on securing two new strikers first.

Journalist Keith Downie has reported that Newcastle would reluctantly approve Isak's sale if Liverpool meet closer to their 150 million pounds valuation and replacements are in place.

That search has proven challenging for Eddie Howe's side. A 40 million pounds bid for Brentford's Yoane Wissa, seen as a successor to Callum Wilson, was turned down earlier this week, with Brentford holding firm at 60 million pounds, a figure Newcastle consider excessive.

The club have also explored RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko as another option, but progress remains slow.

Attention has now shifted to Jackson, the 60 million pounds-rated Chelsea forward who is "fully expected" to depart Stamford Bridge in the window's final days. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has described the situation as a "crazy race" for the Senegalese striker, with Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Bayern Munich all making exploratory calls in the last 48 hours.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed Jackson's availability, stating: "He is available but he is not going to be part of the squad. We have two strikers in that position."

Maresca has added that Jackson would be "more happy" elsewhere, as the 24-year-old has fallen behind new signing Liam Delap in the pecking order.

Newcastle have held initial talks with Chelsea and Jackson's camp, leveraging Saudi connections between the clubs to facilitate a potential permanent deal.

Aston Villa prefer a loan but cannot match Chelsea's demand for a full sale, while Bayern's appeal is tempered by Harry Kane's dominance up front, likely relegating Jackson to the bench.

With regular starts and Champions League football on offer at Newcastle, the Magpies appear well-positioned to win the race if they can agree terms swiftly.

As the transfer deadline looms, Newcastle's ability to land Jackson and another forward could unlock Isak's blockbuster switch, potentially reshaping both clubs' attacks for the season ahead.

Report: Newcastle accelerate Nicolas Jackson chase as Alexander Isak forces Liverpool exit