Newcastle stance on Alexander Isak transfer to Liverpool emerges after huge bid submitted for Hugo Ekitike

Newcastle have made a final decision over the future of Liverpool target Alexander Isak after opening talks to sign Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt, it has been reported.

The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that the Magpies will launch a €75 million (around £65m) bid to sign Ekitike, who represents France at international level.

The 23-year-old striker previously had an unsuccessful spell at PSG, but netted 22 goals for Frankfurt last season and earned admirers from across Europe.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona were all linked with potential moves for the Frenchman, who is under contract until 2029, but he now appears to be closing in on a move to St James' Park.

The deal is not yet complete but is believed to have a direct impact on the future of Isak, who is wanted by Liverpool.

That's according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who claims that, rather than £86 million-rated Ekitike being brought in as a replacement for the Swede, Magpies boss Eddie Howe wants the pair to line up together in attack.

Image: Twitter/@SkySports_Keith

That would create one of the Premier League's most feared strike forces - and force Liverpool to look elsewhere if they want to bring in a striker.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Reds transfer chiefs have met with the representatives of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in Paris.

The 28-year-old has scored 30 Premier League goals across the past two seasons after being transformed under the management of Oliver Glasner.

He also represented France as an over-age player at the 2024 Paris Olympics, scoring five goals in six games as Thierry Henry's side won the silver medal.

It is claimed that he could be available for around £45-£50 million, which would make him comfortably cheaper to sign than Isak.

Liverpool have already broken their club record to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, and deals for Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have taken their summer spending to well above £150 million.