1 day ago
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Goncalo Ramos has been linked with a move to Newcastle United and could hold the key to ending Alexander Isak's dramatic transfer saga.
The Swedish star has reportedly vowed never to play for the Magpies again, irrespective of whether he manages to secure a transfer away from Tyneside before the deadline day. At the moment, Liverpool appears to be the only probable destination for the 25-year-old.
But the club is yet to resume negotiations with Newcastle after an initial offer of $149 million plus add-ons was rejected. With less than a fortnight remaining before the summer window closes, all parties involved are hoping for a quick resolution to the striker's situation.
Due to Isak's absence, Anthony Gordon was utilised as a temporary striker during Newcastle's goalless draw against a 10-man Aston Villa in their Premier League opener on Saturday.
And without a reliable No. 9 for their match against Liverpool next Monday, Eddie Howe will be keen to sign a new forward. Newcastle has been quoted a price of $54M for Brentford's Yoane Wissa, who netted 19 goals in 35 appearances for the Bees last season.
And with the 28-year-old seemingly preferring a move to St James' Park, it might only be a matter of time before an agreement between the two clubs is reached. However, it's former Manchester United and Liverpool target Ramos, who Newcastle has recently been linked with, which could prove incredibly fruitful in finding a new home for Isak in the coming weeks.
The 24-year-old has impressed with Paris Saint-Germain since joining the Ligue 1 giants in 2023, with 34 goals to his name across all competitions thus far. The Red Devils were reportedly in talks with PSG to bring the centre-forward to Old Trafford this summer before swooping for the trio of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo.
Meanwhile, it is said that Liverpool is currently assessing the suitability of Ramos at Anfield in the event that they are unable to secure Isak. It wouldn't be the first time that the Reds have taken one of Newcastle's targets this summer, hijacking the Magpies chase of Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike and welcoming him in a $107M move.
However, holding off on Ramos to allow Newcastle to sign him could prove incredibly beneficial for Liverpool in their pursuit for Isak. With two strikers in Wissa and Ramos in their ranks, it may spur Newcastle to provide a little wiggle room on their firm $203M valuation of Isak at present.
That could in-turn see the Reds meet them in the middle to take him off their hands. The Magpies are facing a tall order, having struggled to attract top-tier talent in the current window.
Not only did Newcastle miss out on Ekitike, Mbeumo and Sesko, but they also saw Liam Delap and Joao Pedro opt for Chelsea, Dean Huijsen join Real Madrid, and James Trafford return to Manchester City from Burnley instead of making their way to the north east of England.
It's believed that Ramos is content in the French capital and isn't particularly eager for a move to the Premier League, despite interest. Meanwhile, with anticipated wages reported to be around $271,100 per-week, and a current valuation of approximately $92M, it could end up being another futile effort for Newcastle.
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