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Liverpool’s hunt for a marquee No.9 has sharpened after Alexander Isak informed Newcastle he wants to explore a summer.

The Sweden international, who netted 23 Premier League goals last season, has long topped the Reds’ shortlist

Despite splashing more than £300 million on recruits like Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool view Isak as the transformational finisher their title defence still lacks.

Newcastle have rebuffed all approaches, insisting on a £150 million valuation, though Anfield chiefs are understood to be readying a bid of around £120 million to test St James’ Park’s resolve.

Isak’s thigh complaint kept him out of Newcastle’s Asia tour, stoking speculation that Liverpool might rekindle their pursuit once they offload Darwin Núñez or Luis Díaz.

Should a deal materialise, it would eclipse the British transfer record.

Speaking to reporters while on pre-season tour in Singapore, Guimaraes admitted that Newcastle United officially told the players that Isak was staying behind due to injury.

However, David Ornstein already challenged this narrative and instead suggested that it was the Swede himself who asked not take part as he considered his options away from St James’ Park.

“I’m really close to him (Isak).

He’s a good guy,” Guimaraes said to Craig Hope.

“He’s been through some rough things at this moment.

Isak is something I cannot control.”

“The club has control of it.

I hope he’s going to be fit when we come back to Newcastle to prepare for the new season.”

“They told us he was there in Newcastle because of his injury.

Of course he’s a top player for us and he’s going to be a miss on this trip!

We need him ready as soon as possible.”

The Brazilian midfielder added:

“Since I signed for the club I’ve always had this ambition (to compete and see good players arrive).”

“If I lose it, I’ll go back to Brazil and play there?
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