Liverpool handed huge Alexander Isak transfer boost as Newcastle 'open talks' for replacement | OneFootball

Premier League champions are expected to return with a second bid for their top target

Liverpool’s hopes of signing Newcastle striker Alexander Isak have been handed a major boost.

The Premier League champions saw an opening bid worth £110million rejected by Newcastle earlier this month and the Sweden international has since been exiled from the first-team squad.

That said, Isak remains a transfer target for Liverpool and Arne Slot insists his side must sign another attacker before the summer transfer window closes after losing Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.

“It’s clear that with Darwin gone and Luis Diaz gone, and even last season, we had five or six options. I think, again, Diogo, I need to mention him as well.

“So yeah, we need to have one more attacker, at least.”

Arne Slot wants to add at least one more attacker to Liverpool’s squad this summer

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While second bid from Liverpool for Isak has not yet materialised, though is expected before September 1, Newcastle’s stance on a potential transfer has been revealed.

According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, the Magpies will only entertain the thought of losing their talisman if two forwards arrive at St James’ Park.

As things currently stand, Newcastle are hoping to wrap up a deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.

However, the two clubs are yet to agree a fee with Newcastle not willing to meet the Bees’ valuation of Wissa - now £60m having initially been at around the £50m mark.

Meanwhile, the Athletic have reported firm interest from Eddie Howe’s side in Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.

It is understood that the 25-year-old is among a small group of forwards being considered to bolster Newcastle’s attack but a deal is not more advanced than other options.

Furthermore, the report states that talks have already taken place via intermediaries and that the Norway international would be keen on a move to Newcastle but is not agitating to leave Wolves.

Amid reports that Newcastle value Isak at £150m, Liverpool have brought in funds from Nunez, Diaz and Ben Doak sales in recent weeks to get closer to that figure.