Liverpool ‘make £120m approach for Alexander Isak’ to blow away transfer record | Football | Sport
Liverpool have opened talks with Newcastle United over a record-breaking move for Alexander Isak, according to reports. The Reds are known to be long-term admirers of the Swedish striker, who scored 23 league goals for the Magpies last season. A deal would cost an eye-watering amount of money and Newcastle have made it clear they are not willing to sell.
That said, the Tyneside club are reportedly chasing an £86million move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. It has been reported that Newcastle want the Frenchman to play alongside Isak rather than instead of him. However, it seems the development has given Liverpool hope of finally getting their man.
They have reached out to Newcastle to register their interest in signing Isak for around £120m, according to The Athletic. It would set a new transfer record for the Reds, who only just broke their previous benchmark by landing Florian Wirtz in a £116m swoop.
In fact, a successful move for Isak at that price would be the most expensive transfer in British football history, a record Wirtz also holds.
The report adds that Liverpool are yet to submit a formal offer as they know that Newcastle have no desire to sell. However, they are said to have communicated their willingness to pay £120m in exchange for Isak’s signature.
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Meanwhile, it has been claimed by Fabrizio Romano that Liverpool could attempt to hijack Newcastle‘s pursuit of Ekitike if their interest in Isak is shot down.
It leaves the Magpies at risk of either losing their star forward or missing out on Ekitike if the Reds decide to try their luck with the latter.
Over the weekend, it was reported that senior figures at Newcastle were still intending to offer Isak a new and improved contract. His current deal runs until the summer of 2028 but there is a desire to ward off Liverpool‘s interest by extending his terms.
Eddie Howe has made it clear that he is firmly opposed to selling Isak, saying earlier this year: “Alexander is not for sale. I want to build a squad, I want the strongest possible squad for next season.
“We have a strong squad and if we can add some players for the first time in a few transfer windows, that will make a big difference for us. That’s what I’m focused on, not the other way around.”
Isak is thought to be earning around £120,000 per week at Newcastle as things stand. Only time will tell if the Magpies can tie him down to a new contract before Liverpool follow up their initial enquiry with a concrete offer.
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