Liverpool are readying an official approach to Newcastle after Alexander Isak told the club he wants to explore a move away this summer.
Mail Sport exclusively revealed the bombshell on Thursday, after Isak did not did not travel with the Newcastle squad on their pre-season tour of the Far East
Newcastle’s hierarchy are aware of Isak’s wish to consider his options this summer, with Liverpool readying a British record offer.
An offer in the region of £150million could see a move accelerate in the coming weeks, despite Newcastle’s desire to keep hold of the forward.
A Liverpool move for Isak would continue the reigning Premier League champions vast spending this summer.
Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele answers the key questions surrounding Liverpool’s interest in the Newcastle forward.
HOW CAN LIVERPOOL AFFORD ISAK?
They have barely lifted a finger in the transfer market in the two years before this window, and they are well within the profit and sustainability rules.
That’s despite signing Florian Wirtz (£116million), Hugo Ekitike (£79m), Milos Kerkez (£40m), Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m), Giorgi Mamardashvili (£29m) and young goalkeeper Armin Pecsi (£1.5m).
Mail Sport reported several months ago that Liverpool have a ‘war chest’ for transfers this summer and that five or six key signings would be no surprise. So yes, they can afford Isak.
DO THEY WANT HIM?
Yes. They have already made an approach to Newcastle and, despite being politely told to go away, they have not.
They believe the signing of Ekitike, who jetted into Hong Kong on Thursday and met his new team-mates for the first time, is shrewd business.
Measured against their data tests, the France striker scored higher than all but Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. In many respects, they have got their new No 9. But if Isak is available, they will have another look and are readying an official approach.
WILL THEY GET HIM?
If they go all out for him and put the money on the table, there is every chance that Liverpool will sign Isak this summer.
A lot will depend on whether Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes decide to press forward with the move.
The next few days will be interesting. It seemed unlikely they would sign Wirtz when the interest was first known and they did, so let’s see.
DO THEY HAVE TO SELL IN ORDER TO BUY?
Yes. And they will. Of the 30 men on the pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Japan, quite a few have uncertain futures.
Luis Diaz has strong interest from Bayern Munich, Darwin Nunez is unsure over his future and Harvey Elliott said on Thursday: ‘If I had it my way I would be here for the rest of my career. I love everything about the club, but I kind of need to be selfish and see what’s best for me. I have big ambitions. I want to get in the World Cup squad.’
Young midfielder Tyler Morton, like Elliott, has interest from West Ham and clubs on the continent, while Federico Chiesa has not travelled to Asia and is likely to depart. They have already sold Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah but more exits are expected.
ARE OTHER CLUBS IN FOR ISAK?
He is probably the best No 9 on the market so, naturally, yes.
But it does feel like he wants Liverpool. Saudi Arabian clubs have posted their interest but it is hard to see him going there.
If the champions want him and opt to go full out for the deal, it seems likely he will be pulling on the new Liverpool kit come next month.
A lot of ifs, buts and maybes but the simple summary is: the Reds like him and he wants to leave Newcastle.
Normally that only ends one way.
