Liverpool have approached Newcastle over the availability of Alexander Isak, ‘communicating their interest’ in a record-breaking move.
The Reds are in search of a new striker this summer and have long been admirers of the Sweden international.
The Athletic report that Liverpool have now made an approach to the Magpies, although that is not a formal bid at this stage.
However, the Premier League champions have registered their interest and willingness to pay around £120m for his services.
Newcastle’s stance is that their striker is not for sale as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.
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The Telegraph report that the Magpies see Liverpool’s approach as an attempt to unsettle Isak and hope that he pushes for a move, although he is yet to do that.
It has already been a huge summer for the Reds as they broke their transfer record by signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £100m, with £16m in add-ons. If they can do a deal for Isak then it would break that record which was only set last month.
There remains some uncertainty in Liverpool’s forward line despite their great success last season in winning the title.
The tragedy of Diogo Jota’s death has clearly impacted Arne Slot’s squad, while Luis Diaz is keen to leave amid interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Darwin Nunez is also linked with an exit, but will have to be replaced if he does depart.
Newcastle and Liverpool interest in Ekitike
The approach for Isak comes as Newcastle have made their own move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
The Magpies have reportedly made a bid worth around £65m for the 23-year-old, although Sky Germany report that the Bundesliga side have quickly rejected it.
Liverpool are also thought to be interested in Ekitike and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that if the Reds cannot get their hands on Isak then they will turn to the Frenchman.
Isak’s eye-catching form
Isak has been a big hit since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 in a deal worth £63m.
After scoring 10 goals in his first campaign he netted 25 in his second and 27 in the most recent season, taking his tally to 62 goals in 109 appearances for the Magpies.
His fine form last season helped Newcastle win the Carabao Cup and return to the Champions League thanks to finishing fifth in the top flight.
Alexander Isak’s Premier League stats
Apps: 86
Goals: 54
Assists: 9
When Isak reached 50 Premier League goals in February, he did so in just 76 games which made him the seventh quickest to that landmark in the history of the division.
Erling Haaland was the quickest in just 48 games, while Andy Cole (65), Alan Shearer (66), Ruud van Nistelrooy (68), Fernando Torres (72) and Mo Salah (72) are the only other players to reach 50 faster than the Swede.