Liverpool have communicated their interest to do a deal in the region of £120m for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak | OneFootball

Liverpool have communicated their interest to Newcastle United to do a deal in the region of £120 million for Alexander Isak, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot wants a new striker at the Anfield club ahead of 2025-26, and the Sweden international has always been a target.

The Reds have yet to submit a formal offer for Isak as they are well aware of Newcastle’s stance that the 25-year-old is not for sale.

However, they have made an approach to sign the Newcastle star as they look to bolster their attacking ranks following the demise of Diogo Jota earlier this month.

Liverpool are open to selling Darwin Nunez and have also approached Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta over a deal.

The Frenchman and his agent have met with the representatives of the Anfield club in Paris, but Isak is more appealing following his impressive return in front of goal over the last two campaigns.

The Newcastle hitman has notched 52 goals and eight assists since the start of 2023-24, and signing him could make a huge difference as the Merseyside club look to defend the Premier League title next term and impress in the Champions League.

However, the Magpies are likely to turn them down as they do not want to lose such an important and influential player as they prepare to feature in the elite European competition again next season.

Newcastle have been linked with a £70m move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, but he is not seen as a potential replacement for Isak as they want the Frenchman to play alongside the Sweden international and complement him.

The Toons made a statement of intent by beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final last season, and while the Reds have been the bigger club in recent years, Newcastle will fancy their chances of challenging for the Premier League title going forward as long as they can keep bolstering their squad and hold on to their best players.