Newcastle 'intensify' move for top Alexander Isak replacement target in new Liverpool twist

Newcastle United have reportedly ramped up their pursuit of Alexander Isak’s potential replacement.

Isak, 25, has been heavily linked with a switch to Liverpool throughout the summer transfer window, having been the subject of a £110m plus add-ons bid which was rejected by the Northeast club earlier this month.

There has yet to be a second bid from the Premier League champions, but their interest remains.

And it’s clear from Isak’s perspective, his time at Newcastle is all but over based on a statement he released on social media on Tuesday.

During the lengthy statement, Isak touched on “promises” that were made by the club that he feels have since been “broken”, and as a result “trust is lost” and “the relationship can't continue”.

Newcastle subsequently released a counterstatement during which they maintained that “no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer”.

Alexander Isak is linked with Liverpool (Credit:Getty)

And if Isak is to move on, first, the Magpies will need to find his replacement.

Newcastle have been linked with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa for some time, and saw a bid worth up to £40m rejected by the Bees for the forward on Wednesday. However, the Congolese international remains keen on a move to St James’ Park.

On Thursday, The I Paper reported that, while Newcastle’s interest in Wissa is ongoing, the Magpies have also ‘intensified’ their pursuit of Wolves forward Jørgen Strand Larsen, although the Black Country side are not thought to be ‘willing sellers’.

According to the Express and Star, Wolves are asking for a package worth at least £60m for the Norwegian, who scored 14 Premier League goals last season. The outlet also claims that if the 25-year-old were to leave, the Old Gold would potentially look to recruit two players to replace him this summer.

Jorgen Strand Larsen is of interest to Newcastle (Credit:Getty)

If Strand Larsen, who is contracted to Wolves until 2029, moves to Newcastle, he will become the club’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window, with right winger Anthony Elanga, midfielders Jacob Ramsey, defender Malick Thiaw, left winger Antonito Cordero, and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale (loan) having also arrived at the Magpies during the window.

Newcastle return to Premier League action against Liverpool on Monday, while Wolves take on Bournemouth on Saturday.