‘Liverpool have spoken to Alexander Isak’s agent – he’s open to going’
Liverpool have been given confidence in their pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak as they look to add a new striker this summer.
The Reds cruised to their second Premier League title this century, largely due to Mohamed Salah’s barely believable 47 goal contributions in 38 games.
However, the Egyptian’s magic largely masked Darwin Nunez’s failings up front, as the Uruguayan contributed just five goals in 30 matches.
As a consequence, the Merseyside team have been on the lookout for a new number nine this summer.
And the Reds have a clear target in mind. Sources told Football Insider on 15 July that Liverpool have made a record-breaking bid of £130million for Isak.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, finance expert Stefan Borson revealed that the striker will “definitely be open” to joining Arne Slot‘s side this summer, and that it was “inconceivable” that the Sweden international’s representatives have not been in contact with the Reds.
Whilst it was Salah who took home the Golden Boot last season, Isak was the Premier League’s next most deadly forward, netting 23 times in 34 games.
Alexander Isak has ‘definitely’ been in contact with Liverpool
Borson explained to Football Insider exclusively that Isak’s representatives will have “definitely” been in contact with Liverpool over a move, but that did not guarantee the striker would end up at Anfield.
Man City‘s former financial adviser predicted that is was more likely that Hugo Ekitike made the move to join Slot’s team.
He said: “That’s not to say that Liverpool have not been given confidence in that pursuit. I think they have. I don’t think you get to the stage that they’re at at the moment, making the bid with confidence at these sorts of incredible levels, record levels, unless you already know the player is keen.
“And a lot of Newcastle fans have been on at me because I suggested that, but it’s in line with what’s been suggested by other people.
“So I think it’s clear, to be honest, that the player is open to going to Liverpool.
“Now, I’m not saying he’s desperate to leave, but he’s definitely open to going to Liverpool.
“Otherwise, it just wouldn’t have got this far. They’ll definitely have spoken to his representatives by this stage for a deal of this scale.
“It’s inconceivable that the first time they’ll speak to him is after they’ve agreed a fee. So, that’s really the dynamic.
“I would think the most likely scenario is that Isak stays at Newcastle and maybe Liverpool actually end up getting Ekitike.”
Barcelona can afford Luis Diaz deal
Whilst much of the transfer talk at Anfield has been dominated by Newcastle’s star striker, Liverpool will be bracing for another offer for Luis Diaz.
Keith Wyness told Football Insider that the Catalan giants can definitely afford the Colombian, although registration issues may become an issue down the line.
Barcelona were interested in the 28-year-old earlier in the summer, but were rebuffed by Liverpool.
And German giants Bayern Munich are also in the race for Diaz’s signature, as Jamal Musiala’s injury has left Vincent Kompany’s side lacking options in the attacking department.