Alexander Isak’s potential exit from Newcastle United has taken a fresh twist as Hugo Ekitike closes in on a move to Liverpool this summer.
Arne Slot is clearly desperate to add a new striker to his ranks, with both Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz being linked with moves away, and the Reds have been long-time admirers of the Swedish star.
Football Insider understands that Liverpool had bid £130million for Isak, throwing the Magpies’ transfer plans into chaos, but the reigning Premier League champions appear to have changed their target.
Ekitike, who notched 22 goals and 12 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt last season, has gained plenty of attention from around Europe, with both Newcastle and the Reds joining the race this summer.
Now, with Liverpool moving ahead in their quest to sign the 23-year-old Frenchman, even despite the Magpies’ £70million offer, a new update has emerged on where the situation leaves Isak.
Newcastle United handed Alexander Isak boost
Taking to X (17 July), Sky Sports’ Keith Downie wrote: “Hugo Ekitike wants to join Liverpool, with the striker agreeing in principle to the move if a deal can be struck between the clubs.
With the transfer details being discussed, the player valued at £85million, and the Reds ready to submit a bid, it has also emerged that the Reds will give up their pursuit of Isak if a deal can be completed.
Eddie Howe to keep vital stars ahead of next season
Replacing Isak this summer would have been an incredibly difficult task for the Magpies, especially given that their ideal signing is now set to sign for Slot’s side over on Merseyside.
With Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Tino Livramento unlikely to become unsettled, the main target needs to be in the centre of defence, with the club already targeting a new goalkeeper.
Football Insider understands that Newcastle are set to bid £40m for James Trafford, and while Nick Pope has been a very good servant over the last three seasons, he could be replaced by a much younger star.
Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini is also of interest to Newcastle, with Dan Burn and Fabian Schar often left with back-up due to long-term injuries, and the Italian international would be a huge signing.
Of course, selling Isak would have freed up a lot of funds, but given that there are not many other strikers better than the 25-year-old, it would likely upset Howe to see the player leave.
The club certainly need to swiftly resolve Isak’s current contract situation at Newcastle, with the star expecting much higher wages, but that is a very easy fix for the Magpies to make.