Marcus Rashford has been 'floated' as a backup transfer option
Marcus Rashford has been 'floated' as a backup transfer option
Liverpool has considered six alternatives to this summer, but approached on Tuesday .
Newcastle has been told that is prepared to pay a record fee to sign Isak this summer, meaning it would exceed the . Newcastle has stood firm and .
Talks remain ongoing, but Newcastle also saw a . Liverpool could now enter the race for Ekitike, and according to , five other options have been considered, including Marcus Rashford.
Isak remains Liverpool's priority, and Newcastle has been placed in a unique position due to Tuesday's approach. Liverpool has signaled that if the door remains closed for Isak, it will look to hijack Newcastle's pursuit of Ekitike.
Newcastle's rejected bid adds to the drama, and Ekitike could choose the Liverpool project if the club submits a rival offer. However, Liverpool also has five other names on a shortlist, though deals aren't expected to be pursued with the same intent.
According to , Liverpool has asked about Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and Brentford forward Yoanna Wissa. The biggest wildcard that Liverpool floated was a deal for Manchester United winger Rashford, but only an initial conversation was held.
Outside of the Premier League, Liverpool has also been closely watching Real Madrid forward Rodrygo. The most intriguing alternative is Napoli's Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian striker looking to force a move away from the club.
Turkish club Galatasaray is the front-runner to sign Osimhen, but Napoli has been targeting Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez as his replacement. It's thought Napoli cannot submit a formal offer until Osimhen has been sold, but a swap deal could be exercised.
Liverpool hasn't confirmed that Nunez will be leaving the club this summer, but he is linked with a move away. Nunez, Luis Diaz, Harvey Elliott, and Tyler Morton are all players who could depart Anfield by Aug. 30.
Even if Liverpool fails to add a center forward in this window, it's still been an excellent summer for the Premier League champions. Liverpool has signed two full-backs and broken the club transfer record to acquire Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz.
Marquee outgoings include Jarell Quansah to Leverkusen, Nat Phillips to West Bromwich Albion, and Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid. Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has also been sold to Brentford, with Giorgi Mamardashvili replacing him as Alisson Becker's replacement.
More high-profile departures could follow, and Liverpool has rejected a bid for defender Ibrahima Konate. An unnamed Saudi Pro League club submitted an offer for Konate, but the defender wants to continue his career in Europe.
Konate is entering the final 12 months of his Liverpool contract, and talks over a new deal have stalled. Konate could follow Alexander-Arnold by leaving the club on a free transfer, but Liverpool is pushing to renew his contract.