The very latest Liverpool news and gossip with an update on in-demand Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
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Alexander Isak in action for Newcastle.
Liverpool continue to be linked with Newcastle United star Alexander Isak. (Image: Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Newcastle United view Liverpool-linked striker Alexander Isak as "irreplaceable" - according to reports.
Arne Slot's squad is set for a major shake-up this summer amid uncertainty over the futures of numerous players and the Sweden international is just one of the names that has been tipped to move to Anfield ahead of next season. That being said, prising him from Newcastle's grasp will be a tough ask given their reluctance to lose their most integral attacking player.
That's according to The Athletic, who say senior officials at the Tyneside club intend to be defiant and all privately agree they would be crazy to sell any of their top talent, including Isak. It's believed they view him as irreplaceable, a stance that is also shared by manager Eddie Howe.
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Isak joined Newcastle from Spanish side Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022 and he's quickly established himself as one of the Premier League's most decisive strikers. With 23 goals as well as five assists in 33 appearances across all competitions this season, it's no surprise that some of the league's top teams are, seemingly, lining up to poach him in the upcoming transfer window.
The 25-year-old is yet to put pen-to-paper on a new contract at St James' Park - and his current deal there expires in 2028. A report from talkSPORT earlier this week suggested Newcastle are bracing themselves for a major assault from Liverpool for their star man, who is claimed to feature prominently on the Reds' transfer shortlist regardless of whether Mohamed Salah stays or leaves.
It has been argued that the Magpies intend to hold contract talks with Isak at the end of the season but, while there is a strong desire to fend off any interest, there is also an understanding that he will be hot property. For Newcastle, qualifying for next season's Champions League should be integral to matching the player's ambitions and encouraging him to stay put.
Although Howe's side are celebrating their historic Carabao Cup triumph, they remain locked in a battle to finish in the top four with nine games left to play. As things stand, Newcastle are sixth behind Chelsea and Manchester City, but just five points separate 10th and fourth in the table.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are closing in on winning the Premier League title and require just five wins from their remaining games, assuming challengers Arsenal secure maximum points. Slot's men return to action next week with the visit of bitter rivals Everton at Anfield.
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