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Liverpool fans will almost be universally be pleased with the latest developments surrounding Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak after he emerged as the Reds' top target.
Liverpool.com understands no formal offer has been submitted at this point, with Newcastle not looking to sell its star attacker. However, the pursuit for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike could change this, with the Magpies already launching one bid and likely to go back in with a more substantial offer.
As per the New York Times, Liverpool has reportedly communicated its interest to Newcastle in concluding a deal around the £120million ($161M) mark - with the Magpies likely to be looking for more if they are to sell. A move for Isak could right the wrong that Jurgen Klopp made in 2022, when he preferred Darwin Nunes over a move for the Swede.
Newcastle would be in a tough position if it was to keep both Ekitike and Isak, having already spent big on Anthony Elanga. The winger is likely to be a part of their front three alongside Anthony Gordon and either one of the two strikers.
In a poll posted to Liverpool.com's Whatsapp group, over 1,000 fans voted for Isak as their preferred No.9 to begin the season for the club - over the likes of Ekitike, Darwin Nunez and Nicolas Jackson. Around 1,100 fans voted for Isaak, while 174 opted for Nunez to continue as their man. Meanwhile, only a combined 76 people voted for Ekitike or Jackson to be the starter next season.
Liverpool is known to be looking for a striker, with Nunez being linked with a move away from the Anfield after his three difficult seasons.
The Reds will also need to find another option after the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, who lost his life in a car crash in Spain earlier this month.
Arne Slot and Hughes have learned that Luis Diaz could be looking to leave the club this summer, with Bayern Munich making multiple approaches for his services - with the players preferred landing spot being Barcelona.
Isak would almost certainly cost more than Florian Wirtz, who the Reds are believed to have paid $155m for this summer, as the current club-record deal.
The Swedish striker scored 23 goals last season, behind only Mohamed Salah, who led the league with 29 goals. The Reds could make further moves to their attacking line, with Federico Chiesa also being rumored to be favoring a move back to Italy.
As well as Isak, the Reds have also been linked to Ekitike and Jackson, as well as Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Liverpool.com says: "Liverpool have long been linked with a move for Alexander Isak, with this being the first real indication that they will look to a make a move for the Premier League star. Isak is one of the best number nine's in world soccer, and would unquestionably be a big update in what they've been getting out of Darwin Nunez.
"For this move to happen, though, it feels like two other moves must first take place. Liverpool almost certainly will have to sell Nunez, with Napoli and clubs in Saudi Arabia being linked, meanwhile, Newcastle will first have to sign a replacement. The aforementioned Huge Ekitike has been strongly rumored to be heading to Newcastle, with a price tag of around $80 million set. If these two moves take place, all signs will point towards Isak joining the Reds."
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