The Newcastle United striker wants a move to Anfield but Arne Slot has been told he should look elsewhere
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak (left) and Liverpool manager Arne Slot
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak (left) and Liverpool manager Arne Slot
Liverpool could be creating big problems for themselves by targeting Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak, according to former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson.
The Swede appears determind to quit St James' Park this summer, but is yet to put in a formal transfer request, despite reports that he has made it clear he does not intend to play for the Magpies again.
United head coach Eddie Howe is not considering Isak for selection for this weekend's Premier League curtain-raiser at Aston Villa, with the 25-year-old training separately from the rest of the squad, having missed the entire pre-season match schedule.
Newcastle have rejected one offer from Liverpool, said to be substantially below their valuation of their star striker, and with three weeks of the transfer window remaining, are yet to receive a second bid.
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Isak's pedigree is beyond doubt, but Merson has questioned whether Liverpool really need the Swede, after signing Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz this summer.
They are currently close to agreeing a deal for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, and Merson feels adding Isak to the squad could cause manager Arne Slot more problems in the long term.
“If I was Liverpool, I would be looking more for a centre-back than Isak," the former Arsenal striker told Sky Sports. "Arne Slot has enough options going forward without needing Isak.
"Hugo Ekitike looked very good against Crystal Palace. They desperately need another defender.
“I hear a lot of people saying that if Liverpool get Isak, it’s game over in the Premier League, it’s finished. I don’t see that at all. It causes more problems, if anything.
“Where does Cody Gakpo play? There’s Florian Wirtz, Mo Salah and then Ekitike. If Isak arrives, they can’t all play.
"Slot will have to mix things up and change things constantly to keep everyone happy, and that causes problems.”
It's perhaps a problem Eddie Howe wouldn't mind having, with the United boss heading into the new season without a recognised striker following Callum Wilson's exit and Isak's current transfer stance.
Anthony Gordon is expected to lead the line at Villa Park this weekend with Will Osula as a back-up option.
United remain keen on a deal to sign Brentford's Yoane Wissa although the two clubs are said to be still some distance apart when it comes to a fee.