Report: Liverpool increase efforts to sign Newcastle striker Alexander Isak

The Premier League champions have already made waves in the transfer market, but they are not done yet as they aim to maintain their dominance after clinching a 20th top-flight title in the 2024/25 season.

The Reds have been busy, confirming their fifth signing of the summer on Friday, with former Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman joining on a free transfer as a backup option.

Woodman follows high-profile arrivals like Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Armin Pecsi, pushing Liverpool's summer spending past 200 million pounds.

Despite their hefty outlay, the Reds are still hunting for a top striker, a winger, and a centre-back to bolster Arne Slot's squad.

Central to their plans is the potential departure of Darwin Nunez, who is nearing a move to Serie A champions Napoli. Reports indicate Napoli are preparing a bid of around 70 million pounds for the Uruguayan, with negotiations ongoing.

"Napoli and Liverpool will have direct contacts today to discuss conditions of Darwin Nunez's deal," said journalist Fabrizio Romano, though he noted the talks are in early stages. Nunez's exit could pave the way for a marquee signing, with Isak emerging as the prime target.

Isak, widely regarded as one of the world's elite strikers, scored an impressive 27 goals in 42 appearances last season, helping Newcastle secure Champions League qualification and the Carabao Cup.

Liverpool see him as their "dream" acquisition, but prising him from Newcastle will not be easy. The Magpies value their star man at upwards of 150 million pounds and are planning to offer him a record-breaking contract to fend off interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, and other suitors.

"Newcastle are under no pressure to sell this summer," reported the Daily Telegraph, adding that Isak is settled at St James' Park.

Despite Newcastle's firm stance, Liverpool are prepared to play the long game. According to the Liverpool Echo, the Reds are ready to monitor developments and could make their move next month when Profit and Sustainability Regulations reset.

"There is no real pressure now on Newcastle to sell for PSR reasons," said journalist Paul Joyce, via The Redmen TV. "If that was to change, Liverpool would make themselves part of the conversations."

The Reds' financial muscle, bolstered by potential sales like Jarell Quansah's 35-million-pound move to Bayer Leverkusen and Nunez's transfer, gives them confidence they can outbid rivals for Isak's services.

Arsenal have also been linked with Isak, but BBC reporter Sami Mokbel downplayed their chances, stating, "There's probably less than a 2% chance of that happening, just because of the sheer numbers involved." Mokbel suggested next summer, when Isak's contract has two years left, might offer a better opportunity, but Newcastle's efforts to extend his deal could complicate matters.

Posts on X reflect the buzz around Isak's future, with some claiming Liverpool are "very confident" of landing him for a base fee of 120 million pounds, though Newcastle insist no contact has been made and any deal would require a staggering sum nearing 200 million pounds.

For now, Liverpool are poised to strike, ready to reshape their attack with a world-class talent.