Liverpool have been handed a massive boost in their pursuit of Alexander Isak as Newcastle United are preparing to sign a new striker.
With only a few days left before the summer transfer window closes, speculation around a potential move for Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak to Premier League champions Liverpool continues to grow.
The Swedish striker has been strongly linked with a switch to Anfield all summer, even going as far as refusing to play in an attempt to push the deal through.
Newcastle, however, have been firm in their stance: they will only consider letting their star striker leave if they secure a suitable replacement.
In recent weeks, several names have been connected with a move to St. James’ Park, and reports now suggest that Newcastle may have finally identified their target. They are said to be closing in on Stuttgart’s highly rated forward Nick Woltemade.
Isak has yet to make an appearance for Newcastle this season.
Throughout the summer, Newcastle explored potential signings from within the Premier League, including Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen. But according to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, the club has shifted its focus outside England and is nearing a deal for Woltemade.
The 23-year-old German striker, who netted 17 goals in 33 matches last season, had previously been heavily linked with Bayern Munich earlier in the window. Securing him would be viewed as a significant coup for Newcastle.
What remains uncertain is whether Woltemade is being lined up as a direct replacement for Isak—potentially boosting Liverpool’s chances of landing the Swede—or as a successor to Callum Wilson, who departed the club on a free transfer earlier this summer.
This development follows Newcastle having two bids for Jorgen Strand Larsen turned down this week, the latest believed to be around £55 million.
Wolves have been firm in their stance that the Norwegian international is not for sale, even though Newcastle have received positive signals from both the player’s representatives and his agent, Jorge Mendes.
Some reports suggest the Magpies may come back with a final offer of £60m before the transfer window shuts next week, though it is unclear whether the pursuit of Woltemade could alter those plans.
