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Alexander Isak has announced he wants to leave Newcastle United this summer(Image: PA)

Liverpool's manager Arne Slot already openly expressed his admiration for Alexander Isak's striking prowess.

The Newcastle forward caused a stir in English football on Thursday when he publicly announced his wish to depart from the Premier League club after a three-year stint.

Isak did not accompany Eddie Howe's team on their pre-season tour to Singapore, having been swayed by interest from the league champions, who formally proposed a £120million deal to sign him earlier this month.

Despite Newcastle's expected response that the Swedish international is not up for sale, the forward no longer envisions his future with the League Cup victors, with Liverpool being the frontrunners to secure his services.

Some might have assumed that Liverpool's recent acquisition of Hugo Ekitike for £79million on Wednesday would render a deal for Isak unfeasible, but that doesn't appear to be the case for Slot, who seems eager to make him his sixth major signing of the summer.

Slot has had a summer of substantial spending, with the Reds investing just under £300m following their Premier League victory last season.

The number nine position was a weak spot for Slot, who chose to utilise Luis Diaz centrally for much of the season, with Darwin Nunez and the late Diogo Jota struggling to maintain consistency in scoring goals, reports the Mirror.

Slot's admiration for Isak should hardly come as a shock, particularly considering the glowing tribute he paid the striker following their thrilling 3-3 stalemate at St James' Park last December.

Article continues belowArne Slot's summer spending has almost reached £300million(Image: Getty Images)

Isak broke the deadlock with a spectacular effort, prompting Slot to reflect afterwards: "That they are able to score a goal, that's not a surprise for me, and especially the first one, what a finish that was.

That shot from Isak, I don't even know if Caoimh [Kelleher] saw that goal, as hard as it was."

Liverpool secured the reverse fixture 2-0 in February, and despite the Swede's absence from the squad, Slot continued to heap praise upon him.

The good thing for us is that we've got two centre-backs that are probably one of the best players that are able to play against him.

Alexander Isak wants to leave Newcastle(Image: Getty Images)

"We have two very, very good centre-backs and that's definitely what you need if you face a striker with the quality of Alexander Isak." The forward would later return to torment Liverpool at Wembley, netting Newcastle's second goal in their 2-1 triumph over the Reds in the League Cup final.

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Despite Isak's desire to depart, Newcastle are not under significant financial strain to let him go, as they continue to comply with profit and sustainability rules.

With Premier League football resuming in three weeks, a decision regarding his future will need to be made shortly.


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