Newcastle United’s pursuit of Hugo Ekitike and plan to pair him with Alexander Isak may have just been complicated.
On Tuesday afternoon, some breaking news from David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano reveals that Liverpool have now made their first move for our Swedish superstar.
Ornstein reports that Liverpool have made an approach over a deal for Isak. The Reds insist no formal bid has been made, however, with the club aware of Newcastle’s ‘not for sale’ stance.
However,it seems they are exploring if a deal could be done and have communicated their interest in striking a deal around the £120m mark; a figure Newcastle are highly unlikely to accept, you would think.
Then comes Romano, who confirms that a ‘club to club’ approach has been made by Liverpool over Isak and a potentially record bid for the striker.
He insists that the ball is now in Newcastle’s court, but suggests that Liverpool will turn to Ekitike should they receive no encouragement that a deal for Isak could be struck.
Romano states that Newcastle are still ‘pushing’ to sign Ekitike after having a £69.5m bid turned down earlier today, although it feels like Liverpool have made a big play to land one of the two, putting us in a tough position to have both.
With that in mind, it seems we have been backed into a corner. We can stand firm on Isak, but that may well see Liverpool swoop in for Ekitike, potentially ending our hopes of landing the 23-year-old Frenchman.
Minimum £150+ mil
MorpethMag(Quote)
Stall Liverpool while we agree a deal for Ekitike then we end up with both players.
I am available to fill the Sporting Director role if needed
Ian Cowx(Quote)
Our bid for Ekitike might be our way of forcing Liverpool’s hand into bidding for him. If Liverpool get him, they’ll not want Isak.
Can we really accommodate both Ekitike and Isak without losing either Gordon or Big Joe (because there’s nowhere to play one of them)?
Glad I’m not a manager. Anyway, let’s keep the bin dippers away from Isak.
Adopted Geordie(Quote)
Inevitable 🐂💩 from so called journo’s as soon as we went for Ekitike
I would be amazed if we sold Isak and I can’t see it happening anytime soon, the Scousers can try but it won’t happen.
Chilled and confident he’ll be here for awhile.
It’s also funny how some fans think because we sign one we have to get rid of the other when big clubs have more than one class player, they even have a few on the bench.
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
Liverpool don’t have the money .. it’s just hocus pocus and fear we will get Ekitike
Mike(Quote)