Exclusive with Graeme Bailey.
Liverpool will not sign a new forward simply for the sake of it this summer, sources have told Rousing The Kop .
The Reds are pushing hard to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle having identified him as their top target for the number nine position.
However, Isak joining is dependent on Liverpool paying a British record transfer fee of up to £150m and, crucially, Newcastle sourcing replacements.
If the Magpies are unable to bring in the players they want, RTK has been told that a move is unlikely to come to fruition for Isak.
In that instance, Liverpool would be left with Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa as their senior forward options.
However, RTK understands the Reds will only move to add another player to the Liverpool squad if it is someone they genuinely believe can improve what they already have.
Alexander Isak gestures to teammates during Newcastle United's Premier League match against Everton at St James' Park.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Liverpool may not sign another forward
Having identified him as being the player they really want this summer, RTK have been told that Liverpool do not have a straight alternative to Isak in the transfer market.
And as transfer expert Graeme Bailey exclusively explains to RTK, Liverpool’s plan if they do not secure the Swede will be typically measured.
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“I think the first thing they do is not let Chiesa out,” says Bailey. “I don’t think they would bring an Isak alternative in unless it was someone who they already liked. I don’t think there’ll be a stop-gap option.
“They’ve got Gakpo and Ekitike, would it mean that Harvey Elliott doesn’t go? I don’t necessarily think so. They are still fairly well stocked there and if needs be Florian Wirtz can play off the left, meaning Ekitike, Chiesa and potentially Gakpo through the middle.”
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“There’s Ngumoha, potentially Frimpong as well,” adds the journalist. “Therefore I think we probably don’t see an Isak replacement in there. They’ll be prepared to wait for him, I believe that.”
According to Bailey, Liverpool are being given plenty of options by agents in the final weeks of the window, but the Reds will not be rushed into a wrong decision.
“Liverpool are getting offered plenty of players but that’s just how the transfer window operates,” he says. “Rodrygo’s name is always coming up but I don’t think they want to bring that big star name in on the left. Fofana is another mentioned but he would block the pathway for Ngumoha.”
Second Alexander Isak bid expected to arrive
Although Liverpool may keep their powder dry should Isak not arrive, there remains a chance that the Sweden international does end up at Anfield in the coming days.
According to Bailey, a second offer from Liverpool is expected to reach Newcastle some time soon, and the journalist says he still believes the Reds will ultimately get their man.
“I think Liverpool will make a fresh bid after Monday [when they play each other],” he says.
“I think we will see a British record offer come in. I do still think he will go. As we know, Newcastle are looking at alternatives which is not easy.”
One way or another, this long-winded transfer saga is all set to be resolved.