Liverpool are strongly considering a big-money bid for Alexander Isak and have opened talks with the striker’s camp over a proposed summer transfer move.
Isak has established himself as one of the most sought-after attacking players in English football over the last three seasons, racking up 58 goals in 100 appearances for Newcastle since arriving from Real Sociedad in 2022.
The Swede’s stock rose further still at the weekend as he scored what proved to be the decisive goal in the Magpies’ historic 2-1 victory over Liverpool to win the Carabao Cup at Wembley.
Eddie Howe has repeatedly stressed that Isak remains central to his plans at St James’ Park, while urging Newcastle bosses to do everything in their power to keep hold of the 25-year-old sensation.
But this did not stop Isak’s future becoming a subject of intense speculation throughout the January transfer window, with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain credited with an interest.
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Premier League leaders Liverpool are also firmly in the race to sign Isak and view the forward as a definite upgrade for Darwin Nunez, who has managed just five league goals this term.
Discussing Liverpool’s options on his YouTube channel, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that he ‘expects’ Nunez to depart Anfield at the end of the campaign.
Romano later claimed that there had already been discussions between the Reds and ‘people close’ to Arsenal’s ‘absolute top target’ Isak over switch from the North East to Merseyside, despite Newcastle’s reluctance to sell.
‘Newcastle keep insisting in private and in public that they want to keep Alexander Isak,’ Romano said.
‘They hope to be in the Champions League next season but, in any case, they want to keep Alexander Isak at the club, so that’s the message from Newcastle.
‘But I keep telling you that big, big, massive proposals will come to the table for Alexander Isak because Arsenal will be there, Arsenal want Isak.
‘[Benjamin] Sesko is the other name on the list but, for sure, Isak and Sesko are the main names.
‘Liverpool are also there for Alexander Isak, they already made some contacts with people close to the player, so both clubs are interested in Alexander Isak.
‘For Arsenal, he is the absolute top target. For Liverpool, he’s one of names they are considering in that position.’
It’s understood Newcastle will not entertain any offers that fall short of the £120million-mark for Isak when the summer transfer window opens for business.
The Sweden international’s current contract at St James’ Park runs throughto June 2028.
‘I am not really thinking about the summer yet,’ Isak said when asked for an update on his future ahead of the Toon’s Carabao Cup triumph.
‘That will be a talking point when the season is finished. No talks have been held yet. I have said many times that I don’t really think too much about my future.
‘I have said many times I am happy here and we are competing for titles, which is what you want as a football player. We have been to one final and now we are in another one.
‘The chances are there. We should look at it one season at a time, and this season we can win a trophy.
‘I have said many times I am focused on doing a job. All of our focus is on Sunday and bringing a trophy back.’
Speaking after Isak’s Wembley heroics, former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp speculated that the attacker may not even have ambitions to move on from Newcastle.
‘What a player! He is absolutely top class, he made that finish look so much easier than it was,’ Redknapp told BetVictor.
‘I’m sure there will be discussions about his future this summer and no wonder, he’s good enough to play for almost any team.
‘I’m not sure he’ll want to leave those amazing fans though and it would cost someone an absolute fortune!’
