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Virgil van Dijk exchanged words with Alexander Isak after the Carabao Cup final - with Liverpool chasing the Sweden star

Liverpool fans will remember how captain Virgil van Dijk exchanged words with Alexander Isak after their Carabao Cup final defeat to the Magpies back in March - as the Reds continue to chase the £125m striker.

Arne Slot's side are ramping up their bid to sign a new striker this summer after already splashing out more than £170million on a raft of new signings.

That included smashing their transfer record to secure the £116.5m addition of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen - and they might have to do so again if they want to bring Isak to Anfield.

The Sweden international has emerged as Liverpool's next priority transfer target but a deal looks difficult to complete, with Newcastle extremely reluctant to lose their prized striker.

It is understood the Reds could have to spend around £125m just to get the Magpies to consider a bid, with Slot keen to bring in a top forward to complement his already impressive attacking options.

READ MORE:Alexander Isak could be denied two dream Liverpool shirt numbers by struggling pairREAD MORE:Liverpool chief agreed transfer for Chelsea forward and had private jet booked

Liverpool came up against Isak in their disappointing 2-1 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final four months ago.

The 25-year-old found the back of the net as he netted Newcastle's second goal at Wembley and was seen speaking to Van Dijk after the game.

The Dutchman had been filmed whispering in the striker's ear and that led to wild speculation on social media among Liverpool fans.

Liverpool have made Isak their number one target this summer(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)

Some had theorised that Van Dijk had told him "see you in the summer" or "see you in pre-season".

Another added: "That was definitely Alex saying to Virg 'see you next season'.

I'm so happy I could cry."

"Virg telling Isak he’s Liverpool’s number 9 next season," read a further post from a Liverpool fan on Twitter.

If Liverpool can't get a deal for Isak over the line, they could switch their attentions to Hugo Ekitike after reportedly approaching his club Eintracht Frankfurt over a move.

Newcastle are have had a £70m bid rejected by Frankfurt, who are said to be holding out for around £85m.

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