Liverpool's chances of securing a sensational transfer for Alexander Isak have been given a boost, with reports stating that Nicolas Jackson is open to a move to Newcastle.
The Reds are still keen on signing Isak, who is eager to depart from Newcasle, and their prospects hinge on the Magpies. finding a suitable replacement.
Isak has expressed his desire to leave Newcastle during the summer transfer window, but he understands that facilitating his departure won't be easy. Liverpool's initial offer of £110million was turned down by Newcastle, who maintain that the Swedish forward won't go for anything less than £150m.
Currently training separately from the main squad, Isak is frustrated with the club's position regarding his departure. He remains resolute in his determination to secure a move to Liverpool, who appear to be the only feasible option.
Newcastle value him at £150m, but they would need to secure a new striker if Liverpool were to meet this valuation. Their attempts to sign Hugo Ekitike, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Benjamin Sesko have all been unsuccessful, with Ekitike joining Liverpool, Delap and Pedro moving to Chelsea, and Sesko opting for Manchester United.
However, a potential solution may be on the horizon, with The Telegraph reporting that Jackson has identified Newcastle as his preferred destination should he decide to leave Chelsea. The Senegal international has found himself surplus to requirements following the arrivals of Delap and Pedro and is available for transfer.
Jackson was omitted from the Chelsea squad for Friday's friendly against Bayer Leverkusen and, like Isak, has been training separately. The Blues are reportedly in discussions with several clubs regarding Jackson's potential departure, having secured his signature for £32m from Villarreal in 2023.
They are under no pressure to offload Jackson and surprised many earlier this summer by demanding £100m for the striker, who remains tied down until June 2033.
Manchester United previously engaged with Jackson's agent after evaluating his tally of 30 goals and 12 assists across 81 appearances for Chelsea.
Even if they succeed in retaining Isak, Newcastle require a new striker, having lost Callum Wilson on a free transfer to West Ham. Eddie Howe's side have encountered setbacks in the transfer market thus far, only managing to secure winger Anthony Elanga in a £55m deal from Nottingham Forest.
Howe has acknowledged his disappointment with the circumstances, which has been compounded by the departure of two crucial staff members this summer, with sporting director Paul Mitchell and chief executive Darren Eales leaving in quick succession.
For the time being the impasse between club and their star player persists, with merely five days remaining until the opening Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on Saturday.
"We've had discussions and it's clear at the moment that we can't involve him with the group," Howe said on the weekend. "I don't know how long that will be for, but that's the latest."