Exclusive with Graeme Bailey.

Liverpool will not sign a new forward simply for the sake of it this summer, sources have told Rousing The Kop.

The Reds are pushing hard to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle having identified him as their top target for the number nine position.

However, Isak joining is dependent on Liverpool paying a British record transfer fee of up to £150m and, crucially, Newcastle sourcing replacements.

Deadline Decisions: Liverpool must act before transfer window closes	Arsenal miss Eberechi Eze transfer deadline with Gunners now facing frustrating wait	‘Looks more likely…’ – Danny Murphy makes Isak transfer prediction and urges him to do one thing

If the Magpies are unable to bring in the players they want, RTK has been told that a move is unlikely to come to fruition for Isak.

In that instance, Liverpool would be left with Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa as their senior forward options.

However, RTK understands the Reds will only move to add another player to the Liverpool squad if it is someone they genuinely believe can improve what they already have.



Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

Having identified him as being the player they really want this summer, RTK have been told that Liverpool do not have a straight alternative to Isak in the transfer market.

And as transfer expert Graeme Bailey exclusively explains to RTK, Liverpool’s plan if they do not secure the Swede will be typically measured.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

“I think the first thing they do is not let Chiesa out,” says Bailey.

“I don’t think they would bring an Isak alternative in unless it was someone who they already liked.

“Therefore I think we probably don’t see an Isak replacement in there.

“Rodrygo’s name is always coming up but I don’t think they want to bring that big star name in on the left.

Fofana is another mentioned but he would block the pathway for Ngumoha.”

Although Liverpool may keep their powder dry should Isak not arrive, there remains a chance that the Sweden international does end up at Anfield in the coming days.

According to Bailey, a second offer from Liverpool is expected to reach Newcastle some time soon, and the journalist says he still believes the Reds will ultimately get their man.

“I think Liverpool will make a fresh bid after Monday [when they play each other],” he says.

“I think we will see a British record offer come in.
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.