Liverpool’s hopes of signing Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak have been handed a significant boost, with the Sweden international’s future at St James’ Park now in doubt.
The Premier League champions saw an opening £110m bid rejected earlier this month, and Isak has since been exiled from Newcastle’s first-team squad.
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Despite the setback, Liverpool remain determined, with head coach Arne Slot making clear that another attacking addition is a priority following the departures of Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Bournemouth, Slot explained:
“I see Hugo mainly as a number nine that could also play from the left or play together with another number nine. It’s clear that with Darwin gone and Luis Díaz gone, and even last season, we had five or six options. I think, again, Diogo, I need to mention him as well. So yeah, we need to have one more attacker, at least.”
While Liverpool’s second bid is yet to materialise, it is expected before the transfer window closes on September 1.
According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle will only sanction Isak’s departure if they secure two forward reinforcements before deadline day.
The Magpies are actively pursuing Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, though the Bees have raised their asking price to £60m, up from the initial £50m valuation.
At the same time, The Athletic reports that Eddie Howe’s side are also considering Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen as part of a shortlist of attacking options.
