Liverpool-Isak
Liverpool have reportedly made their first approach to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United and could now break the British transfer record for a second time this summer.
Liverpool make first approach to sign Isak
Whilst the initial consensus was reportedly that Newcastle United's attempted move to sign Hugo Ekitike would not leave the door ajar for Isak's exit, Liverpool didn't seem to receive that message. Now, according to David Ornstein, the Reds have made their first approach to sign the Swede in another big-money deal.
As things stand, Newcastle's stance, as it has always been, is that Isak is not for sale. But Liverpool's decision to make their approach may yet have loosened their grip on one of the Premier League's hottest talents. From 'not for sale', a record-breaking £120m price tag has now been mooted, which could hand Liverpool the encouragement they need.
Liverpool's admiration for Isak is far from new and it certainly isn't a surprise. If there was a weakness in Arne Slot's Premier League-winning side last season, it came in the No.9 role, as Luis Diaz was often forced to play out-of-position to lead the line and Darwin Nunez continued to struggle.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
Now that both have been linked with moves away to Bayern Munich and now AC Milan respectively, however, Liverpool may finally have the funds and room to welcome the ultimate solution to their striker problem. In one summer, the Reds could go from Diaz, Nunez and Mohamed Salah to arguably the world's best trio in Florian Wirtz, Isak and Salah.
There's still a long way to go before Isak becomes Liverpool's next No.9, but that's not to say Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes don't already have their next trick planned.
What Liverpool plan to do next in Isak chase
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool will "for sure" submit a club-record bid to sign Isak this summer and follow up their initial approach. The Swede is their "dream" target in a deal that could reportedly cost in the region of £120m.
Romano said on his YouTube channel: "For sure, Liverpool want to try for their dream target with an eventual club-record bid. Liverpool have intention to try and they made an approach with Newcastle."
The transfer specialist then went on to reveal that if Liverpool fail in their pursuit of Isak, then their attention will turn back towards Ekitike. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has been the subject of a £60m+ bid by Newcastle, but the Magpies could now be facing a lose-lose situation up against the Reds in a ruthless mood.
As the season approaches and the transfer window progresses, both forwards are likely to steal plenty more headlines. As things stand, however, in a transfer battle between Liverpool and Newcastle, it seems as though the Premier League champions have the edge.