‘He wants to join’ – Liverpool set sights on ‘£100m’-valued star as well as Alexander Isak
Liverpool have set their sights on signing Newcastle United duo Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon following Luis Diaz’s sale to Bayern Munich.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that, while signing both players is unlikely, mega-money offers are being lined up.
Arne Slot’s side had identified Gordon as their ideal replacement for Diaz this summer, but Isak’s decision to force a move away from St James’ Park has changed their plans.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 10 July that Liverpool remain strongly interested in Gordon after he came close to a move to Anfield last year. Newcastle have privately valued him at the £100m mark.
The Liverpool-born winger was believed to be “very keen” on making the switch last year, but with the focus now on Isak, may miss out again.
Sources told Football Insider on 28 July that Liverpool are “confident” of signing Isak as he continues to push for the move after telling Newcastle he wants to leave.
Liverpool accelerate Gordon and Isak moves after Diaz sale
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider on 20 July that Diaz’s sale will accelerate Liverpool’s transfer plans, with Gordon firmly on their radar.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, explained that Slot’s side are now in a strong position to test the Magpies’ resolve.
“Liverpool are going to use that Diaz money to sign a replacement,” he told Football Insider.
“The one name we’ve spoken about a lot is Anthony Gordon, because he’s been a long-term target for them in that position and would be ideal.
“I think the plan would’ve been at the start of the window, if they sell Diaz, they can go for Gordon. He wants to join.
“Isak becoming available has changed things slightly, though.
“Signing him would fix the major problem they had in Slot’s first year in that he didn’t have a reliable out-and-out striker leading the line.
“He’s obviously pushing to join Liverpool so I expect they’ll make an effort to land him.
“The question then is, who plays out wide? I don’t think they’ll have the money do sign both Isak and Gordon because of how much they’ve spent already.
“We’re looking at mega money here, neither of those deals would come cheap to Liverpool.
“If they use the money from selling Diaz to go and get Isak, do they play somebody else out wide to fill the gap? Because that will be their next issue.
“I think at this stage we just have to wait and see what they do.”
Marc Guehi ‘has his heart set’ on Anfield switch
Alongside their ambitions to add to their attacking options, Slot’s side have also been aiming to bolster their defence with the addition of Marc Guehi.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 28 July that Liverpool still have a “concrete” interest in Guehi and are lining up a fresh offer in the coming weeks.
Crystal Palace’s captain wants to play regularly at the highest level and compete for Champions League and Premier League trophies on a consistent basis.
Brown told Football Insider on 29 July that Guehi has his heart set on joining Liverpool and would be prepared to snub Tottenham amid renewed interest.
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