Latest Liverpool transfer news and rumours as the Reds could be forced to go head-to-head with Newcastle for Marc Guehi this summer
Liverpool could be set to go head-to-head with Newcastle United for another key target this summer, if the latest reports are to be believed.
The Reds have already beaten the Magpies to one signing in Hugo Ekitike. While the Frenchman had long been on Liverpool’s radar, it was Newcastle who first made their move last month, attempting to agree a fee with Eintracht Frankfurt.
However, Liverpool firmed up their interest with a bid of their own and quickly got a deal over the line. Now, the Reds are also eager to bring Newcastle’s star striker Alexander Isak to Anfield, having seen a £110m bid turned down by the North East club last week.
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Isak himself has caused controversy on Tyneside as he pushes for a summer exit. The Sweden international sat out Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia, officially due to a thigh injury, but reports later emerged suggesting he chose to stay behind to explore his options ahead of the September 1 deadline.
The saga took another twist last week when it was revealed that Isak had flown to Spain to train at his former club Real Sociedad’s facilities, rather than continue his recovery with Newcastle’s medical staff. He is now back in England and looks set for crunch talks with Eddie Howe to resolve the situation.
While striker additions are clearly a priority for both Liverpool and Newcastle, so too is the need for a central defender. The Times reported on Monday that the Magpies are set to revive their interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, having failed in their pursuit of the England international 12 months ago.
Liverpool have also been linked with Guehi this summer, following the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. The Reds are in urgent need of defensive reinforcements, with only two regularly available senior centre-backs in Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. Joe Gomez, meanwhile, has suffered a fresh injury setback during the club’s pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Japan.
A recent update from The Guardian’s Ed Aarons claims that Palace have yet to receive any formal offers for Guehi. The player is believed to favour a move to Anfield but is also prepared to see out the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park and leave as a free agent next summer.
Palace are reportedly seeking a fee in the region of £40 million, although both Liverpool and Newcastle are said to be reluctant to pay such a figure for a player with only 12 months remaining on his deal. Should the Magpies reignite their interest, Liverpool may be forced to act, potentially scuppering another of Newcastle’s transfer plans this summer.
Liverpool will no doubt hope that doesn’t turn out to be the case, as they continue to monitor Isak’s situation. Fortunately, Newcastle have also been linked with AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw, with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming they are preparing to make an approach for the Germany international.
