Liverpool are now out for revenge against Newcastle, after being firmly told Alexander Isak is not for sale following their formal approach for the player.
Newcastle remain intent that the Swedish international is not for sale, and rejected the notion of a £120million transfer fee that had been mentioned by the Reds, insisting it would take at least £150million to sell the striker.
While no formal offer has been submitted to date, the Reds initiated contact with the Magpies to mark their intent to sign the forward, but were met with a firm denial of the player’s availability.
It had been reported that Isak had already given the green light to Liverpool if the two sides could agree on a deal.
Getty
|Alexander Isak is said to have given the green light to Liverpool, but the Reds have been informed he is not for sale
The discussion for Isak, who scored 23 league goals for Newcastle last campaign, comes after Liverpool already broke the Premier League transfer record for Florian Wirtz, in a deal that could reach £116.5million.
It shows Liverpool's true intent in the window this summer is showing no sign of slowing down after they pounced on early deals for Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez as well.
Liverpool are believed to have decided internally that a top No9 is still needed for the squad, with Darwin Nunez’s inevitable departure to Napoli.
JUST IN: Jannik Sinner reveals details of doping ban chat with Iga Swiatek after pair won Wimbledon titles
Getty
|Newcastle saw a club-record bid for Hugo Ekitike rejected yesterday, and could now be rivalled by Liverpool for his signature
Isak is at the top of the list, however, after being firmly turned down by the Magpies, the club are now said to have moved onto their second choice: Hugo Ekitike, who happens to be Newcastle’s primary transfer target.
Newcastle have already signalled their intent to sign Ekitike, seeing their club-record bid of £70million rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt for the striker yesterday, and are now set to be rivalled for his signature by the Reds.
The development could lead to a remarkable scramble between the two Premier League clubs, who have both turned to the young French striker to bolster their attacking options.
READ MORE: McGregor breaks silence after UFC fighter was accused of 'sexual harassment' by American rapper
Liverpool’s efforts for Ekitike could be funded largely by the departure of Luis Diaz, who has expressed his desire to leave the club.
The Reds rejected a £60million offer for the Colombian from Bayern Munich on Tuesday morning, but it is understood both the player and the German club are willing to push hard to complete the deal.
23-year-old Ekitike played alongside Manchester City star Omar Marmoush at Frankfurt last year, scoring 15 league goals.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- England star targeted by criminals and declares 'this is why I hate London' in furious response
- Shane Lowry fires back at reporters after bizarre question about his drinking ahead of The Open
- Steven Gerrard becomes a granddad at age of 45 as daughter shares sweet snap
Getty
|Luis Diaz has signalled his desire to leave the cub, with Bayern Munich bidding for his signiture
The Frenchman cost the club less than £15million in 2024 after a disappointing spell at Paris Saint-Germain, but Frankfurt are believed to be looking for a deal in excess of £80million, which would represent remarkable profit for the Bundesliga side.
Frankfurt also sold Marmoush to Manchester City for over £60million in January.
For Newcastle, it is believed the deals are completely separate and the arrival of Ekitike would not lead to the departure of Isak, nor is he a replacement for the Swedish international, with the club hoping to have both players on the books come September.
Newcastle have also been active in the market so far, sealing a £55million deal for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga last week, with Burnley’s James Trafford seemingly more a matter of when and not if at this stage.
Both clubs now look to focus on their attacking options, with Ekitike the target for both clubs which could lead to a fascinating bidding war between the two giants.