Liverpool manager Arne Slot has spoken out on the future of Darwin Nunez as the Premier League champions continue to be linked with a move for Newcastle United's Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak and Arne Slot
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak (left) and Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Liverpool boss Arne Slot remained tight-lipped when asked about whether Newcastle United's Alexander Isak replace the departing Darwin Nunez at Anfield.
Slot's Premier League title holders have already bolstered their attacking options with Hugo Ekitike's arrival, though Isak remains firmly in their sights.
An initial approach valued at up to £120million was turned down by Newcastle, with uncertainty lingering over whether the Reds will table an improved proposal this summer.
Nune's switch to Saudri Pro League side Al Hilal is virtually sealed, and Slot was asked about his next transfer targets, with Isak currently training alone at Newcastle.
"As you know, we never talk about players that aren't yours," Slot told the Mirror ahead of this weekend's Community Shield when quizzed about Isak. "I can talk about Hugo who signed recently.
"We are very happy with the squad we are having. OK, players left but we brought players in as well and youngsters are doing good. Darwin might leave but things aren't signed yet. We need to wait a few days before things are done."
Isak was absent from Newcastle's Asian tour, instead spending time training with former employers Real Sociedad whilst regaining peak condition. The Sweden international has returned to Newcastle's training ground, though boss Eddie Howe isn't anticipated to select him for forthcoming warm-up matches.
"You have to earn the right to train with us," Howe declared earlier this week. "We are Newcastle United. The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad - you have to act in the right way.
"So that is also at play here. We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal."
While Liverpool manager Slot chose not to speak specifically about Isak, he did highlight an alternative in attack for the upcoming season. With Mohamed Salah due to be absent during the Africa Cup of Nations, Slot mentioned new recruit Jeremie Frimpong as a potential asset in a more advanced role.
"We definitely thought about AFCON. It's partly why we brought in Frimpong because he can play as a right-winger," Slot explained. "A maximum six games without Mo, but that's a lot in the Premier League. Jeremie can play there but he isn't the only option."
The immediate priority for Liverpool is the Community Shield clash. The Reds are set to take on Crystal Palace at Wembley this Sunday, presenting supporters with an opportunity to see fresh faces like Frimpong, Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz in action.
"Bilbao, Milan and Yokohama already gave us good competition," Slot remarked, alluding to the team's pre-season encounters. "Palace hit the ground running again, it is still the same team. A good challenge for us to start the season."
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