Arne Slot given double Liverpool transfer demand as Alexander Isak prediction made - 'I expect'

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There is a strong level of optimism that Liverpool can strengthen further before Monday's 7pm deadline - with Slot keen to add more depth and firepower to his already-talented squad.

Liverpool have started the season with six points from a possible six, securing a 4-2 win over Bournemouth and a dramatic 3-2 success at Newcastle United, though performances have not been scintillating.

READ MORE:Liverpool make Harvey Elliott transfer decision after £51m Tottenham Hotspur moveREAD MORE:Eddie Howe offers cryptic Alexander Isak transfer hint after new twist in Liverpool saga

When asked about Liverpool's start to the season and the club's transfer hopes for the remainder of the summer, McManaman said: "They need to be a lot better than what they have showed already.

"They were good against Bournemouth, but they were fortunate against Newcastle I think everyone realises that.

"Newcastle were amazing, especially when they went down to 10 men, so they have got to perform better.

"We've got a couple of days left of the transfer window and I expect Liverpool to be active, I really do.

"I know they have brought in a lot of players, but some of the players are young goalkeepers and stuff.

"So, they have only brought in four that will directly impact the starting XI - at this moment in time - and they have let a lot of players go.

I know they've brought in Florian and Hugo Ekitike, but I think they need another one and I think Arne Slot has reiterated that on a number of occasions.

"So, I think Liverpool should be stronger come next week when the transfer window closes."

Liverpool remain interested in a move for Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak and it has been reported that the Reds are weighing up a new £130m bid over the weekend.

(Image: Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Newcastle had wanted Ekitike, but Slot's men hijacked the deal and signed him on a long-term deal.

At the time, due to the domino impact that a move to Newcastle for Ekitike would have had on Isak's switch to Liverpool, there were some question marks raised on why the Reds didn't just go for the Sweden striker instead.

However, Ekitike appears to be proving any doubters wrong with his performances at the start of the season.

He has scored in each of Liverpool's first three matches of the season, including Monday's win at Newcastle.

"I have spoken to him a couple of times, his English is good which helps, of course, he's only young, he feels as though his fitness levels are not at 100 per cent yet which is promising considering what we have seen already," McManaman said on Ekitike, who has made a bright start to his Liverpool career.

"I think his movement for a centre forward looks to be excellent, he can come short and link up, he goes behind, he's had a number of opportunities and scored goals, he's had more chances as well.

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"He's only young, he looks very hungry, I think he has been a great signing.

"I saw a lot of him at Frankfurt of course before he came, in Europe, but I have been pleasantly surprised how good he looks already in a Liverpool shirt and he was one of the latest signings.

He has really impressed me to be honest."

Liverpool found out their Champions League opponents for the 2025/26 season on Thursday.

The Reds are set to meet Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt, PSV Eindhoven, Marseille, Qarabag and Galatasaray in the 36-team league phase, with the first match round taking place in mid-September.

Delivering his verdict on the draw, McManaman said: "It was typical that Liverpool would play Real at Anfield.

"They played them last year and they beat them quite comfortably, now Trent is going to go back.

Transfer deadline day is almost upon us and Liverpool still have business to do.

Liverpool remain interested in a deal for the Swede.

Meanwhile, Marc Guehi has been a player of interest all summer and Liverpool could still launch a last-minute deal for the Crystal Palace defender.

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"I think we're waiting for the schedule to come out to see when that game is but it should be a great time.

"Liverpool have played Real Madrid on a number of occasions in the last six years and that is nothing different."

"Yeah you'd have to [fancy Liverpool to go through]," McManaman added.