Liverpool have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Alexander Isak as the club are set to receive a huge £25 million cash injection.
The Isak transfer saga continues to rumble on just hours ahead of the Premier League opener, which sees Liverpool kick-off the season against Bournemouth.
The Reds have recruited heavily this summer, snapping up the likes of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, who cost a combined £169 million in up-front fees.
Despite the acquisition of the attacking pair, Arne Slot remains in the market for another forward, having sanctioned the sales of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, not to mention the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
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Isak is the club's No.1 choice as rumours continue to swirl ahead of the window slamming shut next month.
Liverpool had a bid of £110 million for Isak rejected by Newcastle, who are holding out for a whopping £150 million.
The Magpies were also insistent on signing a replacement but they are now considering a scenario that was considered unthinkable before.
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Liverpool's pursuit of the Swedish star has received a further boost as the Premier League champions are closing in on the departure of Ben Doak.
According to The Guardian, Bournemouth are on the verge of getting a deal done for Doak worth a cool £25 million.
Paul Joyce claims Doak, 19, has been withdrawn from the Liverpool squad for tonight's game against Bournemouth.
His proposed transfer means Liverpool have extra money to play around with as they are set to return to Newcastle with another bid for Isak.
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An offer of £135 million, which would be the cost of Doak on top of their first bid, could be enough to lure the 25-year-old away from St. James' Park.
Will Alexander Isak play for Newcastle United in their Premier League opener?
Newcastle begin their league campaign on Saturday when they travel to Villa Park to face Unai Emery's Aston Villa.
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But Isak won't play a part of his side's first league match of the 2025/26 campaign.
He has been training away from the first-team after informing the club that he wants to explore his options during the transfer window.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Eddie Howe said: "We do [have to forget about Isak] - he's not here with us.
"We have to focus on who is here and get the best out of them. The players are aware he's not here, the focus will be on each player playing to the best of their ability."
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He added: "I want him to play. I want him to train. I've had those conversations [with Isak] but the details of those will remain private.
"There is no change to the situation. All my focus has been on the training, Aston Villa and the transfer front in terms of getting players in - that is all-consuming for me. Alex's situation has been unchanged for a while and that will continue to be the case."
Topics: Liverpool, Alexander Isak, Football
Nasir Jabbar