Target: Alexander Isak is top of Liverpool’s wishlist
The Reds are known to be in the market for a striker this summer as they look to upgrade on the misfiring Darwin Nunez, who scored just five goals in 30 Premier League appearances last season as Arne Slot’s side cruised to the Premier League title.
They are open to offers for the Uruguayan and expect to lose Luis Diaz this summer after he submitted a transfer request.
As such, they are looking to bring in reinforcements and have reportedly established two clear options, both of which would leave Newcastle in a bind.
Liverpool hold a long-standing admiration for Newcastle striker Isak, who hit 23 League goals last season, but had previously considered a move to be financially unviable. The Magpies, too, have made clear to the club that the Swede is not for sale, though Liverpool are reportedly willing to offer £120million.
That fee would mark a second British record signing of the summer after Liverpool spent £116m on Florian Wirtz.
According to The Athletic, the Reds are also looking to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ekitike as an option, and on Wednesday enquired as to his availability. He tallied 23 goal involvements in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season and is thought to be available for around £65m.
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The Frenchman, though, is also known to be a key target for Newcastle, who are trying for his signature for the third time after failing in January and 2022. They saw a £70m bid rejected for his services earlier this summer.
They are set to lodge an improved bid, but may miss out should Liverpool fail in a move for Isak.
If Liverpool land on Isak or Ekitike, Newcastle will lose either their star player or their top transfer target.
Chelsea and Manchester United were also thought to be interested in the player earlier this summer but opted against making an offer.
Reports yesterday claimed that Napoli’s Victor Osimhen was also on Liverpool’s shortlist, though he is expected to join either Galatasaray or Al Hilal instead.