Liverpool made an approach for Alexander Isak but have turned their focus to Hugo Ekitike after Newcastle insisted that the £125million-rated striker wasn't for sale
Newcastle's new £55million signing, Anthony Elanga, is desperate to keep playing alongside Alexander Isak and wants the 'world-class striker' to remain at St James' Park. Isak, 25, was the subject of an approach from Liverpool earlier this week.
The Premier League champions were met with a firm response, though, as Newcastle insist that he isn't for sale. If the Magpies were forced into selling, they'd demand at least a British-record £125million transfer fee.
Liverpool have promptly turned their attention to Hugo Ekitike, who Newcastle, coincidentally, bid £70m for just a matter of days ago. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker is favouring a move to Anfield, however, and Liverpool have made rapid progress by agreeing personal terms.
All that's left now is to strike a deal with Frankfurt, who value him at £86m. That's likely to end Liverpool's pursuit of Isak in a huge silver lining for Newcastle.
That'll please Elanga, who already knows the Swede from playing together at international level. The winger has linked up with Isak and his new team-mates at a training camp in Austria after completing a £55m move from Nottingham Forest.
During an interview with Sky Sports, Elanga made it clear how keen he is for Isak to stay put and potentially see him sign a new contract. Newcastle are planning to offer the 25-year-old an improved deal, despite the former Real Sociedad striker already being tied down until 2028.
"A player like Alex… everyone wants to play with Alex," Elanga said of his compatriot. "For me, he's one of the best strikers in the world and having played with him at international level, I can really, really say that.
"There are always going to be things and rumours around the world, but, for me, he's a top guy and a top player. From playing with him at international level and training with him now, it's amazing."
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It's not just Isak who he's looking forward to playing alongside under Eddie Howe either. "If you look at this team and what they did last season, it played a huge part in me coming," the ex-Manchester United star continued.
"You look at the likes of Tino [Livramento], Lewis [Hall], Sven [Botman], Fabian [Schar], Bruno [Guimaraes], Sandro [Tonali], I could go through the whole team. What they did last season was amazing, having played against them home and away from Nottingham Forest."