Liverpool transfer news: Isak alternative eyed as Marc Guehi chase takes twist

Alexander Isak will not be at St James' Park for Newcastle's game against Liverpool on Monday night but the Reds may already be moving on to leave the striker in limbo

Liverpool visit Newcastle in a Bank Holiday battle tonight with the central character not even set to attend. Alexander Isak’s chances of moving to Anfield in the final week of the window look to be dwindling as the days tick down before the deadline.

Yet his absence amid the summer’s biggest transfer saga will dominate the discussion before and after this evening’s meeting at St James’ Park as the second round of Premier League fixtures draw to a close.

And latest reports suggest Liverpool are now exploring alternative signings, including one Real Madrid star pushed to the fringes by Xabi Alonso.

Here are the transfer tales worth keeping an eye on entering the final week of the window.

Rodrygo reports

With the Isak transfer saga dragging on, Liverpool are now in advanced talks with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo as an alternative, according to reports from Spain. The La Liga giants are said to be open to selling—but only at a steep €100 million (approximately £86.5 million) price tag.

Adding Rodrygo could allow Liverpool tactical flexibility by shifting Cody Gakpo into a central striker role when required and the asking price is still significantly less than what Newcastle will accept for Isak.

Guehi twist

Manchester City are weighing up a swoop for Marc Guehi – but only if centre-backs Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake depart this week.

Crystal Palace star Guehi is already being tracked by Liverpool, meaning the potential of a situation not too disimilar to Eberechi Eze's move from Palace to Arsenal instead of Tottenham.

Guehi has entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park and is refusing to sign a new one, meaning the England international could be available for a cut price £35m before next Monday's deadline.

Nunez on form

Darwin Nunez has made an impressive start to life in Saudi Arabia, with the former Liverpool striker finding the back of the net in Al-Hilal's final pre-season friendly on Saturday. Nunez joined Al-Hilal in a deal worth around £46.3million earlier this month.

The 26-year-old has scored in all three of his pre-season appearances for his new club, with Nunez on target in wins over Aarau, Waldhof Mannheim and Al-Fayha.