Liverpool are all ready to secure the biggest signing in their history on Friday as Florian Wirtz jets in from Bayer Leverkusen.

The Reds have been very active in the transfer market so far this summer, with the addition of Wirtz seen as the catalyst for a Premier League title retention.

However, as impressive as the German’s capture is, there is little question that Liverpool are still short of a top centre-forward.

After Wirtz, Liverpool are likely to target a new number nine, and while there are some attractive options currently on the market, few excite Reds fans like Alexander Isak.

Alexander Isak to Liverpool: Transfer update, Newcastle stance and fee it will need	Alexander Isak immediately causing a stir at Newcastle sends clear message to Liverpool	Alexander Isak's training ground grilling sends clear message to Liverpool dressing room

As Rousing The Kop revealed on Thursday, Liverpool retain hope of signing Isak this summer, with the Swedish striker yet to sign a new contract at Newcastle.

But Newcastle are standing firm over their talisman.

With Liverpool continuing to sniff around Isak, the Magpies have issued exactly what it will take to get him to Anfield.

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Over recent days, talk has once again begun to ramp up that Isak is on his way to Liverpool this summer.

According to The Telegraph, though, those kinds of claims should be taken alongside a dollop of salt.

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They claim that, actually, Isak is virtually certain to stay at Newcastle for the coming season.

Liverpool’s interest is acknowledged, but the Reds are reportedly aware that it is highly unlikely they can prise the 25-year-old away this summer.

Isak will reportedly be offered a new contract later this summer, and although it’s suggested that he may not sign fresh terms at St James’ Park, it is said to be extremely likely he will stay with Newcastle for at least one more year.

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Furthermore, Liverpool are not even claimed to have been in touch with the Magpies over a move, either formally or informally, while Isak himself is reportedly showing no signs of being willing to leave.

Finally, if Liverpool do get bold and decide to make a play for the Swede, it’s claimed that Newcastle will hold out for ‘well in excess’ of £150m to sell.

In fact, The Telegraph report that the Magpies would be looking for closer to the world-record £200m it took for PSG to sign Neymar in 2017.

Given the remote likelihood of Liverpool spending close to £200m on a slightly injury-prone striker, it does feel as though they may be forced to wait on Isak.

Nevertheless, RTK understands that the Reds are unwilling to put their plan for a new number nine on hold for a year.

Instead, if Isak proves to be ungettable this time, Liverpool will move onto a different option.

Hugo Ekitike’s price tag is understood to be scaring the Reds off for now, with Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres seen as more likely candidates.

However, whatever the noises coming from the Newcastle end, RTK understand that Liverpool will not give up on Isak just yet.
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