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Liverpool is preparing to engage in discussions with Newcastle regarding a potential deal for Alexander Isak, according to a new report.

The Reds have long held an interest in the Swedish international, but their pursuit has taken a twist as it's been revealed that he has informed Newcastle of his desire to explore other opportunities.

Initially, the club attributed his absence from its preseason tour to injury, but now reports suggest the forward is keen to seek a new challenge.

However, the Toon are understood to be holding firm, demanding a fee in excess of £150 million ($202.2 million) if they're to part ways with him this summer.

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This news follows hot on the heels of Liverpool's confirmation of the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike.

With Luis Diaz also poised to join Bayern Munich following the agreement of a $88 million deal, focus inevitably turns to what's next for the club.

And Isak is thought to be high on their list of potential targets.

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri, reporting for Sky Sports in Switzerland, alleges that Liverpool intends to initiate talks with Newcastle within the coming 48 hours to inform them that a written offer will be submitted for its star player.

The report suggests that Isak has already given Liverpool's management his approval regarding personal terms.

Tavolieri also points out that a five-year contract aligns perfectly with the player's salary expectations.

Isak has scored 54 goals in 86 Premier League games since joining Newcastle three years ago, helping the Magpies qualify for the Champions League twice and win the Carabao Cup final last season.

Isak scored against Liverpool in the latter game, securing Newcastle its first domestic trophy in 70 years.

In other news, Liverpool is rumored to be among the clubs gathering information about Parma center-back Giovanni Leoni.

Corriere dello Sport reports that Newcastle and Tottenham are also doing the same.

Parma are reportedly holding out for a minimum of €35 million ($40 million) for the 18-year-old defender, Leoni, who made 17 appearances in Serie A last season, starting all but three of those matches.


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