Alexander Isak's Newcastle future remains uncertain and Liverpool boss Arne Slot has suggested the Anfield club could still make moves with just days remaining in the transfer window
Arne Slot has hinted that Liverpool will return with another attempt to sign Alexander Isak after Newcastle United agreed a deal for Stuttgart Nick Woltemade. The Magpies saw a £65million bid accepted for the striker as they look to finally sign a striker this summer.
Liverpool have already seen a bid knocked back for Isak, worth an initial £110m. The Sweden international has reportedly said he will not play for Newcastle again and has not trained with Eddie Howe's first team squad since pulling out of the club's pre-season tour of Asia.
Newcastle, despite suggesting Isak was not for sale early in the window, have wanted two forwards through the door before even considering an exit for their goalscorer, after already seeing Callum Wilson depart. Woltemade, who scored 12 Bundesliga goals last term, is now set to join and any fee Isak returns would be significant in the Magpies securing another option.
And time is running out with just days left until the transfer deadline. The former Real Sociedad star will certainly be hoping for a late change in circumstances.
Liverpool boss Slot played it cool when asked about the prospect of landing Isak and highlighted the impact of Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha this season. The Dutchman then acknowledged the team was always try to strengthen.
"Newcastle have signed a - and if it's true - a new No9 which is nice for Eddie because Gordon is suspended and Isak is not playing," said Slot in his press conference. "So it's nice for them.
"After Monday night, I said that again I could make a sub that impacted the game. Federico and Rio, as always we try to sign players that can help us but there's no reason to complain after first two games but if we can strengthen then we always try to do that for the right player and right player. Let's see if we do something what we can do."
Slot had plenty of praise for the striker signing Liverpool have already seen this summer, Hugo Ekitike. The French forward has hit the ground running and scored two goals in his first two Premier League matches.
"He has made a big impact, build ups, scoring, starting attacks, I think that is a bit more than last season where, when Lucho played, he was part of it, but the most simple answer is his match fitness is what he can improve," said Slot.
"I expect him to do a lot more without the ball than he already does, he can improve, which is normal, to adjust to a new league and style. Frankfurt didn't press as much as us, new country, new league, a lot for him to handle and then after the break, it's Champions League, he was used to Europa League, so that's the main point for improvement, which is normal - he came later in pre-season. So to adapt to intensity levels without the ball is the small steps."