A high-profile commentator insists the prospects of Alexander Isak departing Newcastle and joining Liverpool this summer cannot be ruled out, amid reports that a ‘wage-structure-breaking’ contract is being prepared for the 25-year-old Swede.
The Premier League champions have acted quickly and efficiently to strengthen Arne Slot’s squad this summer, with the best part of £190m (€220m, $260m) spent on acquiring six new players so far. And while Liverpool have already significantly bolstered a number of key areas, the Reds still have their eyes on two more outstanding transfer coups before the summer is out.
To that end, a new centre-forward and a new central defender still figure very much highly on Slot’s priority list.
It would be remiss to ignore the fact that Liverpool FC are currently in mourning after the tragic loss of forward Diogo Jota, who was tragically killed in a car crash in northern Spain.
With the club in grieving the heartbreaking loss of the 28-year-old, which happened less than two weeks after his marriage, Liverpool are unlikely to embark on active conversations with would-be transfer targets for a good few days yet as they come to terms with the devastating news.
Of the strikers linked with a move to Anfield, there has been plenty of speculation of late surrounding the future of Newcastle star Isak.
And while the Magpies value the player at around the £150m (€173.7m, $205m) mark and are strongly committed to retaining his services, talk of a move to Anfield is refusing to dissipate any time soon.
Now, Sky Sports commentator Ian Darke has explained why the British record move can not be ruled out entirely, though he admits the Newcastle faithful would not take the loss of the talismanic star well.
“I mean, you could say there is no smoke without fire, I would think,” he began on Liverpool News. “Although he could never say it publicly, I don’t think there are many players lurking around in Europe who wouldn’t be interested in the idea of playing for Liverpool.
“I would think Isak is probably no exception. I think it would have been a different kettle of fish if Newcastle had not made the Champions League on the last day last season, but they did.
“It looks like a long shot from where I am sitting. I don’t know what type of discussions have been going on behind the scenes, but you can just imagine there would be riots on Tyneside if Newcastle sold Isak.”
ICYMI Alexander Isak ‘wants to leave Newcastle’ as journalist ignites Liverpool transfer claims
‘Wage-structure-breaking’ deal prepared for Alexander Isak
As touched upon, Newcastle have no plans to sell the striker this summer and the word on Tyneside is that Isak is not looking to rock the boat and force a move away from St James’ Park, where he remains happy and contented.
Furthermore, journalist Graeme Bailey reports that a bumper new contract is being prepped by the Magpies to extend his stay at the club, and with his current arrangement still having three years to run.
“Newcastle are willing to break their wage structure on a new deal for him,” Bailey told Rousing the Kop, before adding: “Liverpool are keeping a close eye on the talks and it’s going to come to a head very soon.”
Sources have informed us that a new deal for Isak will see his salary increase from £120,000 a week to something marginally higher than their current top earner, captain Bruno Guimaraes, and in a deal that will make him their best-paid player in Newcastle United’s history.
Lee Ryder, the chief Newcastle writer for Chronicle Live, is also adamant that Howe has ‘no fears’ the striker ‘will need settling down’ at St James’ Park, nor is pushing for a transfer away this summer.
And with Howe described as ‘relaxed’ over the situation, and having held ‘quiet talks’ over a new deal, Ryder is adamant that Newcastle fans have zero reason to fear the loss of their talismanic star.
‘He is not the type to push for a move,’ Ryder added, before insisting Newcastle are ‘under no pressure to sell, bow down to any demands or make any decisions’ over parting ways with the 52-times capped star.
Bailey, though, has refused to close the door on a possible move away, adding: “Isak has always been in play [for Liverpool]. I’m confident with my sources on him and what we’re hearing [about their interest].”
Newcastle’s Elliott hope; Liverpool stance on Guehi deal; U-turn on Luis Diaz
Meanwhile, Liverpool have made it clear how much they are willing to pay for Marc Guehi, sources have told TEAMtalk, with the Crystal Palace defender’s stance on a potential move to Anfield this summer also revealed.
Elsewhere, the Reds could still offload Luis Diaz this summer if a mega-money offer arrives on the table after a journalist claimed the club’s ‘not-for-sale’ stance could yet force a dramatic U-turn.
Henry Winter has also gushingly praised the Reds for their exceptional balancing of the books this summer.
And finally, Slot has been warned he could live to regret the decision to sell Harvey Elliott this summer with the England Under-21s hero reportedly having made a clear preference on where to play next amid strong interest in his services from Newcastle.
