Liverpool news: Reds make approach for Alexander Isak amidst Newcastle United interest in Hugo Ekitike
Arne Slot’s Liverpool have been one of the most active teams in the transfer market this summer, having spent £180million already.
The Reds have acquired AFC Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and fellow Hungarian Armin Pecsi, as well as Bayer Leverkusen duo Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz.
With Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz seemingly on the way out, Kopites around the world are aware of Liverpool’s glaring need to bring in a centre-forward.
Liverpool return for Alexander Isak
Following a hugely impressive campaign at St. James’ Park, it is no secret that Liverpool are huge admirers of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
There had been murmurs earlier in the window that the Merseysiders were interested in the Swede, but those subsided after a suggested fee of £200million.
Nevertheless, Slot’s side are back in the race, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike may play a pivotal role.
Newcastle United forced to make a choice
Hugo Ekitike celebrates with his Eintracht Frankfurt teammates.
As revealed by Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies submitted an official bid for Ekitike, rumoured to be worth £60million, and Liverpool had asked to remain informed on Isak’s situation.
The Reds are also understood to be monitoring Ekitike if they are unable to sign Newcastle’s star man, leaving Eddie Howe’s side in a difficult position.
Following a season in which the Swedish talisman exhibited some of the finest attacking football in the Premier League, it is no surprise that he has been linked with a move away.
Newcastle now face a situation where they sell Isak for a club-record fee, or risk losing out on the French Frankfurt centre-forward.
Newcastle United ‘bracing themselves’ for bid
As per Matt Hardy of The Times, Newcastle representatives are ‘braced’ for a bid in the region of £130million.
The Magpies reportedly bid for Ekitike shortly after a meeting between Isak’s camp and Howe at the club’s training ground.
Should the 25-year-old decide to stay on Tyneside, he would become Newcastle’s best ever paid player, however, Liverpool’s interest is strong.
If the North East club do not sell up, the Ekitike news could be damning for the Toon.
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