Newcastle United host Liverpool next Monday in a game already being billed as the Alexander Isak derby.
Arne Slot has called upon the Liverpool board to sign “one more attacker” just days before they travel to St James’ Park.
Newcastle United welcome the Reds to Tyneside where the pre-game build-up is bound to be dominated by Alexander Isak. The Swede is effectively on strike at the Magpies amid reported Liverpool interest.
Anfield bosses have already seen one bid in excess of £100million rejected for the striker. Isak has not kicked a ball for Newcastle since May and continues to train alone while he angles for an exit.
Arne Slot makes Liverpool plea
Speaking after his team beat Bournemouth 4-2 on the opening day, Liverpool boss Slot called on the board to bolster his frontline further. Interestingly, he also highlighted Hugo Ekitike’s best position as a striker.
”I see Hugo mainly as a No.9 that could also play from the left or together with another No.9,” Slot told reporters. “It’s clear with Darwin gone, Luis Diaz gone (that we need somebody else). Last season we had five or six options - with Diogo as well. We need to have one more attacker at least.”
Virgil van Dijk sends clear transfer message
A week earlier, Reds captain Virgil van Dijk also not-so-subtly highlighted their need for another forward. He told talkSPORT: "Well, we just lost Darwin (Nunez), he went to Saudi Arabia, and we lost Lucho (Luis Diaz), obviously, he went to Bayern.
“I think there's always room for an attacker in order to strengthen us so let's see what the window brings in terms of the balance of the team.
“I think we have more than enough options to be good enough to win (the Premier League) again. This is where I focus on myself. With the players we have, we should be able to win (against Crystal Palace) and score. That's actually what we did as well.”
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Eddie Howe on Alexander Isak saga
Howe was grilled further on the Isak saga at the weekend. He told reporters: "Nothing's changed. The door is well and truly open but he has to decide what he wants to do."We would like a resolution. The ownership, everyone, the players we have, want that clarity. You don't need any distractions. I'm not in control of that. There's only one person in control of that."
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