Newcastle United are finding themselves in a corner as star striker Alexander Isak is reportedly unhappy over their contract offer amid a big-money offer from Liverpool.
Liverpool have made a surprise move for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, 23, potentially disrupting Newcastle United's pursuit of the French player.
This comes after Newcastle informed Liverpool that their top target, Alexander Isak, is not for sale at any price.
Liverpool were reportedly prepared to make a British record £120 million bid for the 25-year-old Swedish striker. However, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has now turned his attention to Ekitike, a move that could throw a wrench in Newcastle's plans.
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Liverpool officially contacted Frankfurt to discuss a transfer fee for Ekitike. This escalates the transfer battle between the two clubs, which also involves Isak's future at Newcastle.
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Isak Demanding Higher Salary as Liverpool Lurk
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Isak, Newcastle's 27-goal top scorer last season, was promised a new contract by the club's previous ownership. However, former sporting director Paul Mitchell postponed these negotiations, leaving Isak and his representatives disappointed as per The Sun.
Mitchell believed Isak's £130,000-a-week wages were sufficient and his contract, running until 2028, provided security.
Despite this, Isak performed exceptionally well, helping Newcastle win their first major trophy in 70 years and secure Champions League qualification. While Newcastle are willing to exceed their £150,000-a-week wage cap and offer Isak over £10 million annually, Liverpool's interest complicates matters, even though Newcastle manager Eddie Howe remains determined to keep his star player.
Newcastle have insisted Isak is not leaving and are ready to improve his current contract. Howe had hoped to pair Isak with Ekitike, having previously missed out on signing the Frenchman twice in 2022, before eventually securing Isak from Real Sociedad for £63 million.
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Newcastle Unhappy with Liverpool’s Behaviour
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With no formal agreement between Ekitike and Newcastle, there are concerns that he might be tempted by Liverpool's interest. Frankfurt rejected a £70 million bid from Newcastle for Ekitike and are seeking a fee closer to his £86 million release clause.
The competition for Ekitike, who joined Frankfurt from PSG for just £14 million last summer, has intensified with Liverpool's entry into the race. While Isak hasn't requested a transfer, it's believed he might be interested in joining Liverpool.
Newcastle suspect Liverpool's pursuit of both Isak and Ekitike is a tactic to unsettle the players and force Newcastle's hand.
For now, Isak is expected to remain with the Newcastle squad for their pre-season friendly against Celtic in Austria on Saturday.
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