Liverpool boss Arne Slot made a telling transfer comment before Alexander Isak issued a stunning ultimatum to Newcastle United.
Liverpool have recruited heavily this summer, snapping up Florian Wirtz, who cost a club-record £116 million, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.
But the Reds have also offloaded talent, including Luis Diaz, who joined Bayern Munich, and Darwin Nunez, who moved to Al Hilal.
Arne Slot plans to sign a forward ahead of the new season after sanctioning the sales of Diaz and Nunez, not to mention the passing of Diogo Jota, who tragically died last month.
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Isak is at the top of his transfer wish-list, with the player trying to force a move to Anfield.
According to David Ornstein, Isak is 'adamant he will never represent Newcastle again'.
Isak regards his career at St. James' Park as 'finished' and has no desire to reintegrate into the squad if Newcastle refuse to sell him this summer.
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His new stance comes just days after Slot said Liverpool are 'always looking at the chances in the market', suggesting they are ready to pounce if the Swede becomes available.
The Dutchman remains in the market for more signings despite already splashing the cash.
Speaking before his side's Community Shield showdown against Crystal Palace, he said: "You never talk about players that are not yours."
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Slot added: "I think we have a lot of attacking power in our team. When I think about Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike, Mo Salah, Jeremie Frimpong, who can play as a right-winger, Florian Wirtz, who can play as a left-winger, I already feel I have a lot of attacking options in my current squad.
"But as always as a club, we are always looking at the chances in the market."
Liverpool tabled a £110 million bid for Isak, which was swiftly rejected.
They have yet to return with another offer but Newcastle's stance may soften if a proposal closer to £150 million arrives and they can fill the 25-year-old's void through the market.
Virgil van Dijk pushes for Alexander Isak transfer after Community Shield defeat
Liverpool losing three senior attackers this summer hasn't gone unnoticed among the squad.
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Speaking after his team's penalty shootout defeat to Palace, Virgil van Dijk hinted that he wants Liverpool to break the bank to sign Isak.
When asked if they were short of a forward, he replied: "I don't know - we will find out! Everything that happened with Diogo, tragic, and Lucho (Diaz) and Darwin leaving.
"Those are three senior attackers. I fully trust the club to do the right thing - what they think is good for the club."
Topics: Alexander Isak, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Football
Nasir Jabbar