Liverpool are waiting for a couple of crucial dominoes to fall before they can sign Alexander Isak.
The Sweden forward, 25, is the priority striking target for sporting director Richard Hughes - with the Reds having seen one bid knocked back by Newcastle already.
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The Geordies turned down an offer worth £110m for their star attraction but it’s widely accepted that the Anfield club will be back before the window closes.
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Whether that bid will be welcomed depends on two factors.
Newcastle's current lack of strikers
One, it will need to satisfy Newcastle’s financial requirements. We know that £110m was too little and the North East side want closer to £150m for the striker.
Two, Newcastle will need to add to their strikeline.
It’s been a difficult summer for Eddie Howe’s side - who have failed to land the likes of Joao Pedro, Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike.
They have only got William Osula as a natural No9 and his future is under scrutiny.
Newcastle want Wissa and one more forward
Yoane Wissa is seen as Newcastle’s No1 pickfor attack but he is by no means a like-for-like replacement for Isak. Instead, Newcastle will need to find another centre-forward - not easy given the late stage of the window.
And according to a report in Fichajes, the Magpies are going to try to sign Alexander Sorloth from Atletico Madrid.
Diego Simeone’s side have had a torrid start to their LaLiga campaign - scoring only one point out of six - but Sorloth was on the scoresheet in their 1-1 weekend draw with Elche.
Despite his starting berth, the 29-year-old is reported to be concerned about the size of the role he is set to play at the club this season.
Alexander Isak Liverpool
© IMAGO - Alexander Isak Liverpool
Newcastle interested in Sorloth
Sorloth scored 20 goals in 35 outings in the Spanish top flight last season - a productive spell at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano thus far.
But Atletico would be content to sell him for around €35m with the Norway international contracted until 2029.
No doubt this would be a perfect signing for Newcastle - a strapping centre forward in the traditional mould. And his acquisition would then allow Liverpool to move in for Isak.
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