Liverpool are reportedly preparing a second bid for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, with sources expecting a British record offer worth £130 million plus add-ons. The Telegraph reports that the proposed move to Anfield has moved closer to reality over the past 24 hours, though the offer is expected to fall short of Newcastle's £150 million valuation.
The development comes as Newcastle close in on a club-record £65 million deal for Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade. The German forward landed in the North East on Thursday night, with the deal progressing quickly. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe confirmed on Friday: 'Things are moving and developing in a good way at the moment. Until things are done, I can't confirm anything - but fingers crossed.'
Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged the potential signing of Woltemade by Newcastle, stating: 'Newcastle signed, if it's true and I have no reason not to believe what you are saying, a new number nine. So that's very nice for Eddie, because Anthony Gordon is suspended and Isak has not been training with the team a lot, so it's nice for him to have another number nine.'
Slot also indicated Liverpool remain open to strengthening the squad if the right player becomes available at the right price. 'We try to sign players that can help us, but there's no reason after the first two games to complain or to think we need more. If we can strengthen the squad then we will always try to do that, if it's for the right money and the right player, and there are only three or four days to go now. Let's see if we do something, and if we do something, what we can do,' he said.
