Liverpool stance on Alexander Isak clear after huge bid submitted

Liverpool look to have revealed their stance on Newcastle striker Alexander Isak having submitted a monster bid for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike.

The Reds have been active in the market already in the off-season, bringing in Jeremie Frimpong to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, bolstering their left-back options with the addition on Milos Kerkez, and they strengthened in attack with the high-profile capture of Florian Wirtz.

And despite easing to the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first year at the Anfield helm, Liverpool are looking to bolster on the frontline. Isak was the rumoured number one target for the defending champions, the Swede having shone for Newcastle last season.

Only Liverpool star Mohamed Salah (29) scored more goals than the Magpies hitman (23) in England’s top tier last term.

As such, Newcastle, who over the weekend secured the services of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, slapped a hefty asking price on Isak in order to ward off interest in the former Real Sociedad forward.

Newcastle had looked into the possibility of signing Ekitike from Eintracht, but Eddie Howe’s side have since been leapfrogged by Liverpool in the race for the Frenchman.

Reds submit huge bid for Ekitike

That’s because according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have made their move for Ekitike.

“EXCL: Liverpool have submitted official bid to Eintracht for Hugo Ekitike!” Fab posted from his official X account.

However, Romano did go on to state that Liverpool’s initial bid for Ekitike had been rejected.

“Eintracht already informed Liverpool that they want more, proposal rejected but it was initial contact as talks continue,” he added

“Ekitike said 𝐲𝐞𝐬 Liverpool, no issues on personal terms. He wants #LFC.”

Ekitike was key for Eintracht last season, stepping out of Omar Marmoush’s shadow for the second half of the campaign to fire the German side to the Champions League.

The 23-year-old ended the season with 15 goals and eight assists to his name, and the Frenchman’s style of play would benefit the wingers in Liverpool’s 4-2-3-1 system.

Slot demands his wingers cut inside to go for goal from their respective flank, and Ekitike’s desire to drift across the frontline would open up space for the likes of Cody Gakpo and Salah.

Nunez set for Anfield exit as Newcastle switch striker target

Liverpool were always going to be active in the window in their pursuit of a striker this summer with Darwin Nunez set to be shown the Anfield exit.

The Uruguayan ended the campaign with more yellow cards (8) than goal involvements (7) with Slot prepared to sanction his departure.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have reportedly turned their attention to Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as they look to add another striker to the ranks.

Callum Wilson’s departure leaves the Magpies short on attacking options, with Wissa wanted by both Newcastle and Tottenham, the latter now managed by the striker’s former Brentford boss Thomas Frank.