Liverpool transfer news: Major Alexander Isak update as deal close to being finalised

Liverpool have been told whether Alexander Isak will start the 2025-26 season playing for Newcastle while the Reds are poised to sell Ben Doak to Bournemouth in a £25million transfer deal

Liverpool's Premier League campaign is up and running - but that doesn't mean an end to their transfer business. With the window open until Monday, September 1, there's still plenty of time for the Reds to fine-tune their squad for the 2025-26 season.

Arne Slot's side raised the curtain on their title defence against Bournemouth on Friday. The match was preceded by a poignant tribute to Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash in July.

His loss has implications on and off the pitch for Liverpool. The Reds have sold two other forwards in Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, leaving them short in the attacking department, according to Slot.

After confirming the signing of centre-back Giovanni Leoni for £26m, Liverpool have now splurged £321million this summer and that figure would likely increase beyond the £450m mark if they sign top target Alexander Isak for a British-record fee. Sales, therefore, are just as important in the final fortnight of the window.

Here's a round-up of the latest transfer news from Anfield.

Howe confirms Isak decision

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has confirmed that Alexander Isak will NOT play against Aston Villa on Saturday - but insists that there is a way back for the Liverpool target. Isak, 25, is continuing to train alone as he pushes for a move to Anfield.

Howe, though, hopes that the situation will change and hasn't ruled out a return. "I want him to play. I want him to train," the Newcastle manager told reports on Friday morning. "I've had those conversations [with Isak] but the details of those will remain private.

"There is no change to the situation. All my focus has been on the training, Aston Villa and the transfer front in terms of getting players in - that is all-consuming for me. Alex's situation has been unchanged for a while and that will continue to be the case."

Bournemouth closing in on £25m Doak

Bournemouth are close to reaching a full agreement with Liverpool to sign Ben Doak for £25million. The Scottish winger has been the subject of interest from various Premier League clubs but Bournemouth are set to win the race.

Multiple reports say that a £25m deal is in the offing, with 19-year-old Doak having been pulled out of Liverpool's squad to face the Cherries on Friday. The former Celtic prospect spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough and made 24 appearances before needing surgery on his thigh.

Are Liverpool making a mistake by selling Ben Doak? Have your say in the comments section.

Slot wants attacking signing

Arne Slot insists that Liverpool need to sign 'at least' one more attacker before transfer deadline day. That's despite the £79million signing of Hugo Ekitike this summer but his comments explain their pursuit of Isak.

Slot told Sky Sports before the Bournemouth game: "I see Hugo mainly as a No.9 that could also play from the left or together with another No.9. We need to have one more attacker at least."