Alexander Isak is being targeted by Liverpool for a huge summer transfer, but away from the Swedish forward there is a young player who has headed the other way
There may be an ongoing tussle between Liverpool and Newcastle over the future of Alexander Isak, but a Reds youngster is heading to Tyneside after a rejecting a new deal on Merseyside.
Isak has become the biggest story of the summer transfer window as the Swede has been exiled by Newcastle and remains desperate to join the reigning Premier League champions.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been forced to address speculation about Isak's future every day in recent weeks, and Liverpool have now raised more funds for a potential new bid for Isak by selling Darwin Nunez to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
But a world away from the multi-millions involved in that deal, 16-year-old Reds midfielder Isaac Moran has opted to leave Liverpool's academy and make the move to Newcastle.
A former England youth captain, Moran was promoted from Liverpool's under-16s to their under -18s for the final three matches of last season, playing the full 90 minutes in games against Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Sunderland.
But he will now be leaving for the Mackems' north-east rivals Newcastle after turning down a scholarship contract on offer at Liverpool.
Moran, who is represented by ex-Reds vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold's PLG Agency, posted on Instagram to confirm his decision to leave the Reds.
Alongside a series of images showing his rise through the ranks as a youngster, featuring a coaching session with Jurgen Klopp and a picture of him working as a ballboy when Mohamed Salah scored in last season's title-clinching game against Tottenham, Moran wrote: “I have made the tough decision to leave Liverpool Football Club.
“I want it to be known that this decision was not taken lightly and I have been honoured to represent the club, but I believe it’s best for my career and future opportunities to go elsewhere.
“I would like to thank all of my teammates, coaches and staff for all their hard work over these past 10 years, in not only shaping me to be the footballer I am, but most importantly the person I am today. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you. YNWA.”