Liverpool have approached Newcastle United over a potential blockbuster deal
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Liverpool have identified Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak as a potential target this summer transfer window as they step up efforts to bolster their attack. But Magpies fans at our sister title Chronicle Live have sent a clear response that Liverpool should not expect to seal the signing anytime soon.
Isak has been a revelation at Newcastle, scoring more than 20 league goals in each of the last two seasons and establishing himself as one of the Premier League's top talents. He has admirers at big clubs across Europe.
Newcastle's stance remains clear - Isak is not for sale, and that they would like for him to sign a new contract. No formal bid or club-to-club contacts have yet been made, but there is a growing feeling at Liverpool that a new challenge could appeal to Isak.
Fans of the North-East club are adamant that they should not let their star man go for anything less than an astronomical fee - but the Magpies' own pursuit of Liverpool target Hugo Ekitike might be paving the way regardless. One fan writes on Facebook: "£200 million just to enter conversations. Florian Wirtz was £115million so Isak is way above that for a proven Premier League forward."
Another says: "Hopefully, Newcastle resist Liverpool's advances for Isak and this proves to be a diversion tactic. However, I highly doubt that Ekitike will end up at Newcastle as the vulture clubs are already circling."
One person says: "Liverpool are just worried we are building firepower here. Plus Elanga has joined and we are looking at getting Ekitike in as more firepower. There is no need to sell."
Liverpool's expression of intent seemed inevitable to one fan, who writes: "It was always going to happen, now we will see what we are made of. Newcastle should give Isak a much bigger contract and wage, but we will see what happens."
Another says: "Why strengthen a rival? He's too good for Liverpool. Our team should be built around Isak. Selling him is a step backwards for us. It's 'Mike Ashley'-esque."
One commenter says that Newcastle shouldn't entertain the thought: "He won't go! Even if he wants to go, the club can refuse the sale."
Another adds: "Jog on with all these rumours. He's a Toon player, and will be when the season starts."
Have your say! Do you think that Liverpool can complete a deal for Alexander Isak this summer? Is this the sort of player the club needs to keep progressing? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.