Liverpool have shortlisted Newcastle’s Alexander Isak as their top striker target.

Alexander Isak has been linked with Liverpool

Liverpool may have been handed a boost in their ambitious pursuit of Newcastle star Alexander Isak. The Reds are keen to sign the Swedish international this summer, though any move is likely to set them back a Premier League record fee.

Arne Slot’s side have already splashed the cash over the past few months, signing Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen as well as Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez. Now, Liverpool are scouring the market for a new No. 9 to replace Darwin Nunez, who is being eyed by Napoli.

Although Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and now-Chelsea star Joao Pedro were shortlisted as options, Isak remains a top target at Anfield – and the news of Newcastle dipping into the market for a striker could act as encouragement in their pursuit.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies have joined the race to sign Ekitike and they are ‘keen’ on the 23-year-old. Other Premier League clubs are also said to be in the race for the promising forward, with Chelsea and Liverpool previously showing interest.

Ekitike also has suitors in the Saudi Pro League, such as Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah, but his priority is to remain in Europe if he leaves Frankfurt this summer. The news of Newcastle’s interest, given the centre-forward would cost around £85m, will set off alarm bells on Merseyside given that such a marquee signing could indicate that Isak could become available over the coming weeks.

The Magpies are pushing to retain the services of the ex-Real Sociedad star and want to tie him down to a new deal, but if their negotiations are unsuccessful then it remains to be seen whether they soften their ‘not for sale’ stance.

Newcastle have pushed to sign Ekitike previously, coming close to securing his signature in 2022 whilst he was at Reims. However, the forward opted to remain at the Ligue 1 outfit instead before joining Paris Saint-Germain just six months later. They later refused to go back in for the Frenchman but have U-turned on that stance a few years later, with his stock having only risen.

Eddie Howe will certainly feel that there is a world in which Isak and Ekitike can lead the line together, especially as both players are able to operate out wide if required, but it would be no surprise if the higher powers at Liverpool jumped to the conclusion that their No. 14 could be made available.