Craig Hope issues major Alexander Isak to Liverpool update after Luis Diaz agrees deal with Bayern Munich

Journalist Craig Hope has issued a new update on Newcastle striker Alexander Isak's potential move to Liverpool.

Isak has been linked with a move to Anfield for much of the summer, with Arne Slot's side having reportedly made initial enquiries over his availability earlier this month.

The situation took a significant turn on Thursday, with The Athletic reporting that the Sweden international striker had asked to leave the club.

That news emerged hours after Liverpool had completed the signing of fellow striker Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt.

The Reds have now spent comfortably over £200 million this summer, though some of that money has been offset by sales - including the £10m departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid.

On Sunday, BBC Sport reported that Bayern Munich had agreed a £65.5 million fee with Liverpool over the signing of winger Luis Diaz.

That would give the Reds more breathing room - if it were needed - to complete a deal for Isak, but they will also surely decide to pursue a replacement for Diaz.

However, north east football expert Hope, writing for the Daily Mail, claims that the Magpies are now 'braced' for a formal bid from Liverpool for Isak.

It is added that the Newcastle hierarchy do not wish to lose their best players, though opinion in the Magpies camp is said to be 'split' on whether the club should negotiate a sale or reject all offers for their star man.

Isak is not present on Newcastle's pre-season tour of South Korea, with the club stating he has a minor thigh injury.

The 25-year-old will not be available at any stage of the training camp - meaning it remains to be seen whether he has played his last game for the Carabao Cup holders.

Isak scored 23 goals in the Premier League last season, a tally only bettered by Liverpool's own Mohamed Salah.

Their next top goalscorer was Harvey Barnes, on nine - illustrating the task Eddie Howe's side would have on their hands to replace their key frontman.