The latest Liverpool transfer news and rumours as Alexander Isak continues to be linked with a summer switch from Newcastle United.
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Alexander Isak in action for Newcastle.
Newcastle United star Alexander Isak continues to be linked with Liverpool.
(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak is teed up to be right at the heart of the Premier League's biggest summer transfer saga. Liverpool, possibly looking at making changes, are becoming increasingly tied towards the Newcastle frontman ahead of the window opening - at least on the transfer rumour mill.
Among a whole host of positions being discussed right now, as requiring attention when the market opens again, has been that of their main striker. For all of the good work Arne Slot has done in his first season, the one thing the Dutchman has been unable to figure out is a trusted, regular starter in that central role.
Thus, with 50 strikes in 77 Premier League appearances overall since touching down in the UK, Isak is one of the division's most prolific at that job. The Reds have burst ahead of Arsenal and others to lead rumours of a summer deal, the latest being from GIVEMESPORT.
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That publication claim that Liverpool's interest is "gaining traction". While the Magpies may not want to lose their star man, a £120million price tag is reportedly set and a move should hinge on their success or failure to qualify for next season's Champions League.
As is customary with any signing, they arrive, they do a medical, they see their new surroundings and meet their new teammates. Part of the parcel is, also, choosing which squad number to use - with so many iconic options to pick from.
But at Anfield, options actually run thin, at least for forward players. Currently on Tyneside, Isak wears the No.14 shirt and he has done since he signed from Real Sociedad in 2022. He was asked by Alan Shearer for BBC Sport if this was the influence of Thierry Henry earlier this season.
"He was definitely one player I liked the extra. Many great players had the No.14, [David] Ginola from Newcastle as well. When I signed for Newcastle, out of the numbers that were available I think 14 was the most iconic one," was the player's honest response.
If Isak sees the No.14 as his legacy then, potentially coming to Liverpool, he will find that option already occupied by last summer's £12.5million signing Federico Chiesa and it might not easily be given up. The available alternatives at Liverpool right now are; 6, 12, 13, 15, 16, 23, 24 and 25 - hardly iconic for a prolific goal-scorer, it must be said - but there is a way of Isak getting what he truly wants upon arrival at Anfield.
In his chat with Shearer, the Sweden striker was asked a follow-up question, if he's bothered that the pathway to his old Newcastle No.9 shirt is blocked by Callum Wilson. Isak replied: "I'm doing well, I'm happy with 14, but on the other hand I know the No.9 is a special shirt for the fans."
Roberto Firmino, Fernando Torres, Robbie Fowler and Ian Rush - that exact same squad number holds just as much weight in Reds folklore as it does in the north east. Amid reports around Darwin Nunez's future with the club being far from secure, the current custodian of the No.9 could leave that open for a direct replacement, as Isak would be, to grab himself.