Liverpool are keeping a close eye on a striker that Newcastle United are determined to sign in the summer transfer window, according to a report. The English champions are looking for alternatives if they are unable to reach a deal to bring Alexander Isak to Anfield.
Isak has become one of the most talked-about players this summer, with Liverpool determined to sign the Newcastle United striker. That was despite the fact that they secured Hugo Ekitike, when Liverpool learned that Isak had told Newcastle that he wants to leave the club.
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Liverpool have already had a bid of £120 million, including bonus schemes, rejected for Isak. – Along with a clear message that there is no point in trying again. – Liverpool have no intention of giving up and are said to be willing to go into a new round willing to pay up to £150 million. The Merseyside club is waiting for Newcastle to find a replacement striker first.
Yoane Wissa is widely expected to be that player for Newcastle, with the Magpies in talks with Brentford over a summer deal.
Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has reported that Wissa himself “wants to leave and join Newcastle”.
According to The Daily Mail, Newcastle have had a £25 million bid for the Brentford striker rejected and are planning to make a new and improved offer.
CaughtOffSide has confirmed Newcastle’s interest in Wissa, adding that Brentford value the DR Congo striker at £50 million. The striker’s agents are in talks with Newcastle, Wissa are said to be enthusiastic about a move to St. James’ Park.
However, CaughtOffSide claims that Liverpool are keeping a close eye on developments around Wissa.
“The Reds” have identified the Brentford striker as a potential alternative to Isak if Newcastle stick to their stance of not selling the former Real Sociedad striker.
Tottenham Hotspur are also reported to be interested in Wissa, who has attracted admirers from the Saudi Pro League as well.
How likely are Liverpool to sign Yoane Wissa for £50m?
Liverpool have already signed Hugo Ekitike this summer, and with Darwin Núñez on his way to Al-Hilal, the French striker will replace the Uruguayan international in Arne Slot’s starting line-up.
It must be noted that Liverpool went for Ekitike after Newcastle turned them down following an enquiry about Isak.
Newcastle were also in talks about Ekitike, but Liverpool manager Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes convinced him to move to Anfield instead.
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Ekitike was the alternative to Isak, and it is hard to imagine Liverpool signing another striker if they fail to sign the Newcastle star before the summer transfer window closes.
However, it is also true that Ekitike is currently the only reputable number nine in the Liverpool squad.
Luis Díaz played as a central striker 15 times last season, but the Colombian international has left Liverpool for Bayern Munich this summer.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea for Liverpool to bring in a new striker to back Ekitike, but with Wissa turning 29 in September and a £50m price tag, the Reds could consider him a bad investment – especially when they still have Mohamed Salah.
