Liverpool is in pursuit of Alexander Isak in a £120 million deal with Newcastle, and they have already devised a backup plan in the event that they are unable to secure their top target

Liverpool is reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak for a fee of £120 million.

According to The Athletic, the Premier League winners have not made a formal offer and are ‘fully aware’ of the Magpies’ attitude that their star player is not for sale.

The Reds have long admired the 25-year-old, whose 23 league goals last season were only surpassed by Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah.

Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 games for Newcastle since his £60 million purchase from Real Sociedad in 2022. His goals helped the team win the Carabao Cup in March, their first major trophy in 70 years.

The Reds have targeted Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike as a potential replacement for Newcastle’s prized asset, given their present reluctance to sell.

Surprisingly, the Frenchman is currently the subject of great interest at Newcastle.

Liverpool have reportedly made an approach to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak

Sky Sports reports that Eddie Howe’s initial approach of £70 million for the 23-year-old was rejected on Tuesday.

Liverpool’s competitors in the Premier League and Champions League would be concerned about acquiring a player of Isak’s caliber, especially because the Reds just broke the British transfer record by signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

The German is one of four key acquisitions to Slot’s team worth a total of £185 million.

Earlier on Tuesday, it was claimed that the Reds were prioritising the recruitment of a ‘top striker’, with talks about Darwin Nunez’s departure expected to heat up.

The Uruguayan has been linked with Napoli and Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, but a transfer to the Serie A winners could be problematic, with Liverpool reportedly wanting around £70 million for the striker.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool turned down a £58.6 million offer from Bayern Munich for winger Luis Diaz on Tuesday.

The Reds are thought to value Diaz at £86 million, but have told suitors that they do not intend to move the 28-year-old this summer.

Liverpool’s appraisal is apparently done for accountancy purposes.

Diaz, whose contract expires in 2027, drew a lot of attention from big European clubs this summer.

The sale of the two players is expected to account for the stratospheric cost required to lure Isak to Anfield this summer.

Hugo Ekitike transfer news: Newcastle United increase interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker

Newcastle have held conversations with Eintracht Frankfurt about signing Hugo Ekitike; talks concentrate on what would be a club-record offer for the 23-year-old; the Bundesliga side value him at £86 million. Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games last season, helping them qualify for the Champions League.

Newcastle have increased their interest in long-term striker Hugo Ekitike.

Over the last week, the Tyneside club has met with Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany to prepare for the France U21 international.

Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in Austria has led to additional meetings with Ekitike’s representatives, according to Sky Germany.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein gives his view on what a potential arrival of Hugo Ekitike may mean for Alexander Isak at Newcastle

The talks center on what would be a club-record offer for the 23-year-old striker, who is valued at £86 million by the Bundesliga club.

Alexander Isak is Newcastle’s current club record signing, having joined for £63 million from Real Sociedad in August 2022.

Newcastle’s most expensive signings.

Alexander Isak – Real Sociedad, £63 million. Anthony Elanga – Nottingham Forest, £55 million Sandro Tonali – AC Milan, £55 million. Anthony Gordon – Everton, £45 million.

Newcastle attempted but failed to sign Ekitike in 2022, as he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain from Reims instead.

Last season, Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games across all competitions for Frankfurt, helping the club qualify for the Champions League.

Ekitike had been a Manchester United target this summer after the club discussed the terms of a deal, and Chelsea and Liverpool have also expressed interest.

Newcastle has spent £55 million on one key summer signing, Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.

Newcastle won’t sell Isak.

Miguel Delaney believes the Newcastle hierarchy have acknowledged that they need a forward to play alongside Alexander Isak

David Ornstein from The Athletic spoke with Sky Sports News:

“Newcastle’s objectives are clear: they have no wish to part with Alexander Isak.

“But, of course, people will talk about it because you’re trying to recruit a striker at a high cost, and he has the profile and admirers Isak does.

“People automatically bring up Liverpool because they admire him.

“There’s been Arsenal in the past and others too, so it’s natural discourse.”

Ekitike is ready for the next step following its Bundesliga breakthrough.

Sky Sports’ Adam Bate

Hugo Ekitike’s growth plan was devised by the coaching staff at Stade Reims while he was still a teenager. They examined Kylian Mbappe’s performances and then identified two other players that Ekitike might possibly hope to emulate.

“These were players with similar profiles from teams that were better than our team, but not at the distance Paris Saint-Germain were from us,” said Oscar Garcia, Reims’ then head coach, to Sky Sports. “We challenged him to reach the level of the other two strikers.”

That seems to be a completely realistic short-term target. Prior to his final season with Reims, Ekitike had never scored a goal in France’s top division. He had spent the second half of the previous season on loan with Danish club Vejle Boldklub.

He returned to Reims as the fourth-choice forward, prompting Oscar to reconsider. Soon after, the two strikers whose levels he had been encouraged to hit were no longer in sight. “Within months, he wanted to reach the same level as Mbappe.”

It is a story that provides insight into the psyche of the Eintracht Frankfurt forward, who has long been linked with a move to the Premier League.

“He always was a talented player but some coaches did not like him because of his profile and sometimes because of his character,” Oscar says. “They thought he was a little arrogant.” “He always wanted to be compared to the best.”

Newcastle United know the next three moves after Anthony Elanga’s £55 million deal

The Magpies are poised to make substantial moves in the summer transfer market.

Newcastle United will not rest on their laurels after completing the £55 million deal to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. Magpies fans had to wait until the sixth week of the summer transfer window for the first major signing, but they are now hoping for more good news ahead of the pre-season schedule.

Eddie Howe has given Steve Nickson and United’s recruitment team a clear target list, and the pace of new signings is set to ramp up in coming weeks.

Elanga’s arrival is a significant boost for Howe, who has urged the club to act quickly in terms of recruiting this summer.

While there was no early movement, despite Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Manchester United strengthening with big-money deals, Elanga’s inclusion in the team in the first week of pre-season will have pleased United’s manager.

Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving customers £192 while providing access to almost 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL, and other leagues.

Georgio Scalvini, Anthony Elanga and James Trafford

Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100.

Newcastle will travel to Austria for a training camp next week before returning to the UK for their first summer friendly against Celtic on Saturday (July 19).

Following that, United will travel to the Far East for three games against Arsenal in Singapore and two against Tottenham and a K-League All-Star team in South Korea.

Newcastle are hoping to add more fresh faces to their squad for the game against Celtic, with Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford being linked with a move. Untied are in talks with the Clarets about an agreement, and a breakthrough could emerge in the next few days.

Trafford was with England in June, but has now returned to training with Burnley, who are preparing for life back in the Premier League.

Newcastle will increase their efforts to sign a new central defender, with Atalanta’s Georgio Scalvini at the top of their want list.

The Italian club will demand around £52 million for the teenage defender, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United this summer.

Newcastle have other possibilities and will keep an eye on Edmond Tapsoba’s situation at Bayer Leverkusen, while Marseille’s defender has been mooted as a cheaper alternative. The Argentine costs roughly £30 million.

A decision on Sean Longstaff’s future might determine United’s third transfer priority, with Leeds United offering £12 million for the North Shields-born midfielder. If he decides to leave, Newcastle will not stop him, but the focus may shift.

Conor Gallagher, an Atletico Madrid midfielder, has been connected with a £40 million move, but whether he wants to compete with Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, and Bruno Guimaraes for a first-team spot is debatable. Jack Rudoni of Coventry could be a more realistic target, since the aggressive midfielder can play in the No. 10 position.

United will continue to evaluate striker alternatives in search of a backup to Alexander Isak, but much will be determined by William Osula’s pre-season form.

The youthful striker impressed for Denmark at the U21 EUROs and has now spent the entire season working with Howe and his coaching team. United have seen glimpses of his potential, and if he can improve during the summer, he could be a key member of a six-man interchangeable frontline alongside Isak, Elanga, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and Jacob Murphy.

‘Real chance’ Newcastle Eye Conor Gallagher Coup as Talks Intensify Behind the Scenes

Newcastle United are reportedly exploring a move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, with sources suggesting there is now a “real chance” of a deal being completed. The potential transfer is being discussed at senior levels, with a fee said to be within reach for the Tyneside club. Gallagher has long been admired by Eddie Howe and is viewed as a perfect addition to strengthen the heart of the Magpies’ midfield.

Gallagher’s future at Chelsea has been the subject of intense speculation. Despite his prominent role last season, questions remain about whether he fits into the long-term vision under the current Stamford Bridge setup. With contract talks reportedly stalling, Chelsea may be willing to cash in to balance the books and fund their own summer business.

Newcastle, on the other hand, are eager to reinforce their midfield options. With European football now part of the club’s expectations, adding depth and quality has become essential. Gallagher’s energy, work rate, and ability to play multiple midfield roles make him an ideal fit for Howe’s high-intensity, dynamic system.

There’s also a growing belief that Gallagher himself is open to the idea of a move to St. James’ Park. He is said to be excited by the club’s trajectory, the potential to play regular football, and the opportunity to feature in a side with growing ambition. His admiration for Howe’s coaching style and Newcastle’s upward momentum could prove key in swinging the deal.

Sources close to the deal suggest negotiations are progressing, though a formal agreement has not yet been struck. Newcastle are believed to be confident that Chelsea’s valuation is not beyond reach. With the two clubs maintaining an open line of communication, there is optimism that a solution can be found.

Gallagher’s Premier League experience is a major plus. He has shown he can handle the demands of top-flight football, and his performances for both Chelsea and Crystal Palace in previous campaigns have earned him widespread praise. His ability to press, cover ground, and chip in with goals makes him one of the most well-rounded midfielders available on the market.

For Newcastle, the addition of Gallagher would offer another gear in the middle of the park. While the club already boasts talents like Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton, Gallagher would bring a fresh dimension with his relentless engine and box-to-box instincts. He could also help relieve pressure on current starters, allowing more rotation during busy fixture periods.

The potential deal is being watched closely by other clubs. Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham have also been linked with Gallagher in recent months, but Newcastle’s financial strength and sporting project currently give them the edge. With talks advancing steadily, rival suitors may struggle to match the package being prepared on Tyneside.

Chelsea’s willingness to part with Gallagher may surprise some, but with their squad overhaul continuing and financial regulations looming, player sales are inevitable. Gallagher, despite his popularity with fans, may be viewed as one of the more expendable assets in terms of generating pure profit from the academy pipeline.

Eddie Howe has made no secret of his admiration for Gallagher. The Newcastle boss is believed to have personally highlighted the midfielder as a priority target in planning meetings. Howe sees Gallagher not only as a reliable option but as someone who could thrive in Newcastle’s demanding tactical environment.

Gallagher’s arrival would also reinforce the club’s push for a younger, hungrier squad. The midfielder fits the profile Newcastle are seeking—talented, homegrown, Premier League-proven, and still with room to grow. His character and leadership qualities are another bonus, aligning with the culture Howe is fostering within the dressing room.

If completed, the transfer would likely be one of Newcastle’s most significant deals of the summer. It would underline their intent to keep progressing and challenge more consistently for top-four spots and trophies. Gallagher’s signing would be a statement to both fans and rivals.

Discussions are expected to continue over the coming days, with the player’s camp also eager for clarity. Gallagher is currently assessing all options, but Newcastle are firmly in the mix and believed to be frontrunners at this stage. The coming weeks could prove decisive.

There’s a sense that this move could benefit all parties involved. Chelsea get to streamline their squad and bring in funds, Gallagher gets a fresh start with more guaranteed minutes, and Newcastle acquire a proven, high-energy midfielder who fits seamlessly into their plans.

Newcastle’s ownership is keen to back Howe with the right tools this window. After a quieter start to the market, landing someone of Gallagher’s stature would reignite fan excitement and build confidence ahead of the new campaign. It would also send a clear message about their transfer power.

Gallagher’s England ambitions could also be boosted by the switch. With more regular minutes and a clearly defined role at Newcastle, the midfielder would be in a strong position to stake his claim for future international tournaments.

While no deal is done yet, all signs are pointing toward growing momentum. With the fee reportedly agreeable and the player’s interest genuine, the remaining hurdles appear to be manageable. Barring any late surprises, Newcastle are in a strong position to seal the deal.

The move would mark yet another shift in Premier League dynamics, as Newcastle continue to assert themselves in the market. For Gallagher, it could be the move that defines his prime years. For Chelsea, it may be a necessary sale to realign priorities.

As fans on both sides await official confirmation, the sense of anticipation is growing. Newcastle may be on the brink of pulling off one of the coups of the window — and if they do, it could be a move that pays off handsomely on and off the pitch.