How Liverpool's starting XI could look with Alexander Isak as club plots British record bid for Newcastle striker

How will Liverpool line-up when the new Premier League season rolls around next month? It's a question that continues to stir debate, especially given their continued interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

It has been a busy summer for those behind the scenes at Liverpool as they prepare to defend their Premier League crown.

So far, the club have spent close to £300 million on the high-profile additions of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, but the biggest addition could be yet to come following Thursday's bombshell news.

A report from the Daily Mail claims Alexander Isak has told Newcastle he wants to 'explore' a move away from St James' Park, which could open the door to a British-record transfer to Liverpool.

How much, I hear you ask? Newcastle are said to be in a strong position contractually but a big-money offer from Liverpool – or any club for the matter – could see a move accelerate in the not-so-distant future, with an offer of £150 million mentioned.

Alexander Isak pictured during Newcastle's pre-season camp in Austria on July 14. Image credit: Getty

The latest update comes after Isak was left out of Newcastle's squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, just days after Eddie Howe said the Swede would "absolutely" be part of the squad for games in Singapore and South Korea.

Isak is said to have missed out because of a minor thigh injury.

How will Liverpool line-up next season?

Liverpool passed up the chance to sign Isak when they instead chose to spend a then club-record fee on Darwin Nunez in 2022, but he could replace the Uruguayan, who has been strongly linked with a move away from Anfield in recent days.

Florian Wirtz, a £116 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to start for Arne Slot's side alongside fellow summer signings Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.

Ekitike, meanwhile, is reportedly expected to be the No. 9 for Liverpool, despite previously playing as a second striker or left winger, but if Isak joins then Ekitike could be pushed out wide to accommodate the Swede.

The Reds are also being linked with numerous cente-back options, but Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has been the most talked-about potential addition.

How Liverpool could line-up next season. Image credit: SPORTbible

This week, transfer expert Ben Jacobs said Liverpool could be an “encouraged” by the situation between Isak and Newcastle.

“If you add up Eddie Howe pre-match saying that Isak was simply rested to ease him into pre-season, and Eddie Howe post-match saying that he wasn’t involved due to speculation, then the fact there’s a photograph of Isak training alone – whether or not Newcastle’s position is genuine or not – it’s a perfect storm. Absolutely," he told The Latte Firm.

“So, suitors will feel a little bit encouraged, like if they bid, there might be a way of turning the player’s head. And if Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz leave Liverpool, there’s still a chance that they place that British transfer record bid.

“And I know people won’t like to hear that if you’re Arsenal fans, but there is still a chance. And if there doesn’t materialise an exit now, keep an eye on January or next summer because I don’t think this Liverpool and Isak story is over.”