'Newcastle fear Alexander Isak exit as Liverpool make £120m approach'

Newcastle United could lose their biggest star sooner than expected as Liverpool gear up for a huge Alexander Isak move this summer.

The Sweden international has long been linked with a move to Anfield, but with 62 goals and 10 assists in 109 appearances, the Magpies are in no mood to let go of his services so soon.

Despite that, The Athletic (15 July) reports that Arne Slot's side are prepared to splash £120million on the striker's signature, which would see him become the record transfer fee after Florian Wirtz's move, and have made contact with Newcastle to indicate as much.

Supporters at St James' Park have every reason to be concerned about their star player this summer, and it appears those behind the scenes are already preparing for his exit.

Newcastle United expecting to lose Alexander Isak

Isak's contract situation already leaves Newcastle in a difficult predicament. The 25-year-old has been on a much lower wage over the last 12 months than he could have been elsewhere.

This is mainly due to talks over a new deal not yet taking place, having had previous talks shelved a year ago, and no major progress has been made despite the departing CEO Darren Eales suggesting there would be.

It is not impossible that Isak remains in the North for another campaign, but if the Reds are to come knocking for his signature, it would be difficult to turn the Premier League champions down.

Howe's side appear to be making preparations for that eventuality, with the race for Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike heating up in recent days, and plans are already taking shape at St James' Park.

The Magpies have been extremely slow in their moves for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah, and even Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford, with little movement seen recently.

However, a £70million bid for Ekitike has been slammed down on the table, and while Frankfurt have quickly rejected the offer, the club are clearly serious about signing the young Frenchman.

This would indicate that Newcastle are fearing the worst for Isak's future, and that Ekitike's 34 goal contributions from last season would help to fill a void for the 2025/26 campaign.

Supporters are also concerned for their star player, especially after securing Champions League football and lifting the Carabao Cup, but if Howe's current project is to continue, there is no time to waste in signing a replacement for Isak.

There is only so much the Magpies can do to keep hold of players, and keeping them happy is another matter, especially when a club such as Liverpool comes calling, so Howe will hope for the best but prepare for the worst.