'Isak agent's Howe meeting at Newcastle emerges amid £130m Liverpool update'

Alexander Isak's agent held a meeting with Eddie Howe before Liverpool moved to blow the bank for the Newcastle superstar.

Talk of the former Borussia Dortmund and Real Sociedad forward's future has dominated much of the summer transfer window.

Isak has been a target for both Liverpool and Arsenal. The striker market is one that is currently dominated by demand, but lacks many top-end options, making the 25-year-old one of just a few elite options.

Newcastle have been determined to keep hold of their talisman after the Swede fired the Magpies to a first major trophy in 70 years, and a return to Champions League football last season.

But according to The Times, Isak's agent met with Howe earlier in June, and the club are looking to sign a new striker.

Isak's agents meet with Howe as Liverpool bid £130m

Football Insider exclusively revealed that Liverpool have submitted a bid of £130m for Isak, which would be a Premier League record.

As reported, Isak's agent met Howe at the Magpies' training ground earlier in July as the North-East club had been keen to discuss a new deal for the forward.

That new contract would have made him the highest-paid player in the club's history.

But since that meeting, Newcastle are now looking to sign Hugo Ekitike in a club-record move from Eintracht Frankfurt.

The French forward has an asking price of £87m, and the Magpies have "opened their bidding" for the 23-year-old with an offer of £70m.

Newcastle resigned to losing Alexander Isak

Football Insider Verdict

Newcastle's move for Ekitike looks an awful lot like the Magpies accepting they will be unable to hold onto Isak this summer.

The idea of the French and Swedish strikers playing up top together is a fascinating one and would undoubtedly result in some electric attacking football from Newcastle.

However, the Magpies have a squad that needs refurbishing this summer ahead of their voyage into the Champions League next season.

James Trafford's deal still needs to get done and reinforcements on the wing and in defence are an absolute necessity.

As fun as the duo would be together, splashing out on Ekitike is only an option if Isak leaves this summer.