Liverpool have opened talks over a move for Alexander Isak, who Newcastle insist is not for sale and would cost more than £125million to prise away from St James’ Park
Liverpool are ready to launch a record-breaking bid for Alexander Isak if they receive encouragement from Newcastle. Isak, 25, has rocketed to the top of the Reds’ summer shopping list as his long-term future at St James’ Park remains uncertain.
Newcastle are adamant that their star striker is not for sale, with three years left to run on his contract. Eddie Howe’s side have reportedly been trying to tie Isak down to a new and improved deal which would help deter interest.
Rumblings of Liverpool’s admiration became louder this week when it emerged that the Premier League champions had made an approach for Isak, who’d cost more than £125million. Despite that British-record asking price, Liverpool’s intentions are clear.
According to the Mail, the Reds will pursue a deal if they receive encouragement that a move is on the cards. Isak remains happy on Tyneside, despite talks over a new contract stalling earlier this year prior to the departure of director of football Paul Mitchell.
The former Real Sociedad starlet is currently with Newcastle’s squad in Austria for their pre-season training camp and could soon be joined by a new team-mate. Eintracht Frankfurt hotshot Hugo Ekitike – who’s also of interest to Liverpool which could muddy the waters – has already been the subject of a £70m bid from Newcastle.
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It’s added that Frankfurt are demanding £86m for the Frenchman, who Newcastle came close to signing in 2022 before he chose to join Paris Saint-Germain. It didn’t work out at PSG, so Ekitike moved to Frankfurt on loan for the second half of the 2023-24 season.
After a promising spell, Eintracht signed the 23-year-old permanently for just £14.3m and he scored 22 goals as well as registering 12 assists in 46 appearances last term. Newcastle want Ekitike to play alongside Isak, who’s Liverpool’s first-choice target as they bid to sign a new striker this summer.
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Arne Slot and Co. have discussed a number of options both at home and abroad. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who Manchester United have been linked with, and Yoane Wissa of Brentford, a target for Nottingham Forest, are claimed to be on their shortlist.
Victor Osimhen was also mentioned during talks with Napoli before the Italian champions pulled out of a move for Darwin Nunez. Even United wantaway Marcus Rashford was a name which was reportedly floated during one conversation at Anfield.
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