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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says he doesn't want his old club to sign Ollie Watkins this summer — but only because he thinks that might stop Liverpool from bringing in Alexander Isak.
The Old Trafford side is exploring potential number nine options with the Aston Villa ace and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko put forward as possible contenders for the role. According to the Daily Mail, those are the two options for Ruben Amorim.
However, Ferdinand thinks that if Manchester United signs Watkins, that might open the pathway for Newcastle to get Sesko... which could make it more likely that Isak is allowed to depart.
"Can I just say why we should buy [Sesko]..." Ferdinand said on his podcast. "I wanted a striker with experience, so he would not be my first choice, obviously, even now.
"But the fact that — and this is a bit of a conspiracy theory — if Man United buy him and Newcastle don’t get a No. 9, does that mean Isak stays at Newcastle and Liverpool don’t get Isak?
"Liverpool’s transfer window has been nothing short of exceptional so far. If they get Isak, it is lights out for the Premier League."
The Reds have already signed Florian Wirtz for a club-record fee that could reach $155 million (£116 million) including add-ons. But a deal for Isak would be economically feasible too because of the strong position that Liverpool finds itself in.
“We have not received a formal offer for Alex from any club. My wish is he stays and we see him playing again next year,” Howe said on Tuesday, ahead of Newcastle's friendly against a K-League XI.
"We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that's not in my full control."
Asked whether Howe had discussed the Isak situation with the Newcastle hierarchy, Howe replied: "No, I haven't. Mainly for the fact that I've been traveling, and today we've been working on the training for this afternoon.
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"With these trips, they are always so intense. Of course, I'm in contact with the people I need to be in contact with back at home, but it's very minimal contact when you're away."
Arne Slot's side is back in action on Wednesday, taking on Yokohama Marinos in Japan. The Reds will travel to play Newcastle on matchday two of the new Premier League season next month.
Liverpool.com says: It does feel like if Newcastle can get Sesko, that might pave the way for Isak to leave. The Magpies are also trying to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, of course.
As ever, there are lots of moving parts to all of this, and there is plenty more to unfold in terms of what comes next. Liverpool will be willing to remain patient.
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