It's claimed that frustration is growing at Newcastle, as Liverpool shows interest in Alexander Isak this summer.
Arne Slot's spending spree shows no signs of slowing down, having already secured deals for Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez. And the Reds could be ready to smash their club record for the second time this window to lure Newcastle's star player Isak to Anfield.
Such a move would likely be complex and necessitate sales on Merseyside, possibly involving Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz. However, Newcastle holds a strong bargaining position with Isak contracted for another three years, and the ability to offer Champions League soccer to rival any competitors.
On Wednesday, it was reported that Liverpool is prepared to shatter its club record once more, just days after finalizing a potential £116 million ($156.6 million) deal for Wirtz.
Isak could become the new British record transfer, and Liverpool has signalled its readiness to splash out if the Swedish forward becomes available.
However, The Telegraph reports that no immediate deal is expected between Liverpool and Newcastle. While the Reds are keen on Isak and would like him to join forces with Mohamed Salah to create a formidable attacking duo, they do not anticipate Newcastle will sell.
Alexander Isak scoring against Liverpool
Liverpool has a battle to pry Isak away from Newcastle (Image: Getty Images)
There have been no discussions between clubs regarding the matter, not even informal ones, and the Magpies would require a starting offer of £150 million ($202 million) to even consider negotiations.
They've even referenced the record-breaking £200 million ($270 million) fee Paris Saint-Germain shelled out to acquire Neymar from Barcelona in 2017.
A transfer would likely only be triggered if Liverpool tabled a substantial bid or if Isak expressed a desire for a change of scenery. However, he has shown no inclination to do so and appears content at St. James' Park.
This hasn't quelled the growing frustration on Tyneside, though this is directed more towards their own transfer dealings.
Eddie Howe has urged the club to be decisive and swift in the market, much like Liverpool, but thus far, there hasn't been a single significant senior addition.
Enquiries have been made for Brighton's Joao Pedro and Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga after missing out on Liam Delap and Bryan Mbeumo, with another target, Marc Guehi, appearing more likely to join Liverpool than Newcastle.
Concerns will persist over Isak if he doesn't sign the contract extension that is set to be offered later in the summer.
In a year's time, he'll have just two years remaining on his contract, and if Isak isn't prepared to commit his long-term future to the club, Newcastle may begin to contemplate how it can maximize the profit from its star player.