3 hours ago
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Liverpool's chances of securing a sensational transfer for Alexander Isak have been given a boost, with reports suggesting that Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson is open to a move to Newcastle.
The Reds are still keen on signing Isak, who is eager to part ways with the Magpies, and their prospects hinge on finding a suitable replacement. Isak has made it clear to Newcastle that he wishes to depart during the summer transfer window, but understands that his exit won't be easy.
Liverpool's initial offer of £110 million ($148 million) was turned down by Newcastle, who maintain that the Swedish striker isn't up for sale. Currently, he is training separately from the main squad and is frustrated with the club's stance regarding his departure.
Isak remains resolute in his desire to secure a move to Liverpool, which appears to be the only feasible option, and as a result, he will refuse to play for Newcastle.
Newcastle reportedly value him at £150 million ($201.8 million), but would need to source a new striker if Liverpool were to meet this price. The club's attempts to sign Hugo Ekitike, who ended up at Liverpool, as well as Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, who both moved to Chelsea, and Benjamin Sesko, who opted for Manchester United, have all been unsuccessful.
However, there could be a potential solution, with The Telegraph reporting that Jackson has identified Newcastle as his preferred destination should he leave Chelsea.
The Senegal international has found himself sidelined following the arrivals of Delap and Pedro and is available for transfer.
Jackson was omitted from the Chelsea squad for Friday's friendly against Bayer Leverkusen and, similar to Isak, has been conducting individual training sessions. The Blues are understood to be in discussions with several clubs regarding Jackson's potential departure, having acquired him for £32 million ($43.1 million) from Villarreal in 2023.
There's no urgency from Chelsea to offload Jackson, and they surprised many earlier this summer by placing a £100 million ($134.5 million) valuation on the striker, whose contract runs until June 2033.
Manchester United previously engaged with Jackson's representative after evaluating his impressive tally of 30 goals and 12 assists across 81 appearances for Chelsea.
Regardless of whether they retain Isak, Newcastle requires striker reinforcements following Callum Wilson's free transfer to West Ham. Eddie Howe's team has encountered difficulties in the transfer market thus far, with the club's sole acquisition being winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.
Howe has acknowledged his disappointment with the circumstances, which have been compounded by the departure of two crucial staff members this summer - sporting director Paul Mitchell and chief executive Darren Eales left in rapid succession.
Currently, the impasse between club and star player persists, with merely five days remaining until the Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.
"We've had discussions and it's clear at the moment that we can't involve him with the group," Howe said on the weekend. "I don't know how long that will be for, but that's the latest."
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