Transfer News: Liverpool open talks with Newcastle for ₦245 billion Isak move

Liverpool have initiated talks with Newcastle to discuss their interest in Sweden international striker Alexander Isak, according to reports. 

The Reds have had a long-standing interest in the former Real Sociedad man, and after reports of Newcastle pushing for Hugo Ekitike earlier today, the Premier League champions contacted the Magpies to discuss Isak.

According to The Athletic, the Merseyside-based club opened a line of communication with Newcastle to begin negotiations for Isak. 

The Reds are said to be aware of Toon's ‘not for sale’ stance for Isak but are focused on bringing in a number 9 this window, following the unfortunate passing of Diogo Jota and the impending exit of Darwin Nunez. 

According to the report, Liverpool are prepared to go as high as £120 million, which will smash the £100 million they paid for Florian Wirtz earlier this summer, which is their club transfer record. 

Newcastle are not interested in parting ways with Isak, despite the striker seeking to further his ambitions elsewhere. They are offering him a contract extension which will significantly improve his wages; however, Isak is not amenable to putting it on paper, according to reports. 

Newcastle made a bid of around €70 million to Frankfurt for Ekitike today, a player with a similar profile to Isak. While it has been communicated that the Magpies plan to field the French striker alongside Isak, his arrival could soften Newcastle's stance on the former Dortmund striker, especially if he pushes for a move.