Liverpool are making concrete moves to sign strikers Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, in a double blow for Newcastle United. The Reds are seeking to upgrade on misfiring Darwin Nunez, who scored only five goals in 30 Premier League appearances last season as Arne Slot's side won the title.
Liverpool are open to offers for Nunez and expect to lose Luis Diaz after he submitted a transfer request. They have established two clear striker options, both of which would leave Newcastle in a difficult position. The club hold a long-standing admiration for Newcastle's Isak, who scored 23 league goals last season, but had previously considered a move financially unviable. Newcastle have made clear the Swede is not for sale, but Liverpool are reportedly willing to offer £120 million.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have also enquired about Eintracht Frankfurt's Ekitike, who tallied 23 goal involvements in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season and is thought to be available for around £65 million. The Frenchman is a key target for Newcastle, who have failed in bids in January and 2022, and saw a £70 million offer rejected earlier this summer. They are set to lodge an improved bid but may miss out if Liverpool fail in a move for Isak.
If Liverpool land Isak or Ekitike, Newcastle will lose either their star player or their top transfer target. Chelsea and Manchester United were also interested in Ekitike earlier this summer but opted against making an offer. Reports yesterday claimed Napoli's Victor Osimhen was also on Liverpool's shortlist, though he is expected to join Galatasaray or Al Hilal instead.
