Liverpool have reportedly lodged a record-breaking bid for Newcastle United’s star forward, Alexander Isak, with their sixth signing of the summer contingent upon one key factor.
In a summer transfer window that has seen them become the second-highest spenders in Europe, the Premier League champions have already splashed out approximately £200m. Their acquisitions include Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Freddie Woodman, and Armin Pecsi.
The Anfield outfit are also looking to orchestrate some high-profile departures, with the likes of Darwin Nunez, Harvey Elliott, and Luis Diaz linked with moves away. Their priority, however, remains the signing of a top-class striker.
As they seek a replacement for Nunez, Liverpool have been linked with Hugo Ekitike and Victor Osimhen, but it is Isak who is reportedly their ideal target. The Newcastle striker, who found the net 27 times in 42 appearances last season, has drawn significant interest.
Famed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano disclosed on Tuesday that Liverpool are on a “mission” to secure Isak’s services following a “direct approach” to Newcastle.
“On Monday, Newcastle submitted an official bid of over €70m to Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike, with negotiations ongoing,” noted Romano on his YouTube channel.
“Liverpool have since reached out to be apprised of Ekitike’s situation, maintaining their interest in the player as an alternative. Ekitike will, however, only become a significant target if Liverpool fail in their pursuit of Alexander Isak.”
The transfer insider further elaborated: “Securing Isak remains a formidable challenge as Newcastle plan to offer a lucrative new contract to keep him at St James’ Park. Nevertheless, Liverpool are undeterred in their efforts, having informed Newcastle of their intent to negotiate a record-breaking deal.”
Reports from Football Insider suggest Liverpool have submitted an eye-watering £130m bid for Isak, though The Athletic’s David Ornstein claims that an official bid is yet to be lodged.
While Newcastle are steadfast in keeping their prized asset, the monumental offer may prove too tempting to refuse, especially given stalled contract discussions over the past year.
Elsewhere, Liverpool’s pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi is gathering pace. A transfer for the England international could be finalised once Palace secure a £45m deal for Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande, potentially triggering a domino effect that lands Guehi at Anfield.
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