The message has been clear for months now: Alexander Isak is not for sale at Newcastle United.

But that hasn’t stopped Liverpool from testing both the club and the player’s resolve, hoping to whip up a big enough storm that the Swede tries to force a move away from Tyneside.

As the Reds consider their attacking depth, owing to the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and potential sales of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, a new striker is very much needed at Anfield.

However, if not Isak or reported ‘plan B’ Hugo Ekitike, who else could the Reds possibly sign? If a recent report is any indicator, a couple of familiar Premier League options are also in the mix…

Another Premier League striker eyed up by Liverpool

According to The Mail, Arne Slot’s Liverpool have shortlisted Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as a potential summer striker target, with alternatives existing beyond Alexander Isak and Toon-linked Hugo Ekitike.

The Mail’s Simon Jones writes that they also share our interest in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, as well as a potential big money move for wantaway Napoli star Victor Osimhen.

Crystal Palace’s Jean-Phillipe Mateta has also been linked, with French outlet Foot Mercato reporting that contact has been made between Liverpool and the player’s representatives.

To facilitate any move, it looks like Liverpool are looking to offload a number of their youngsters and academy stars, such as Harvey Elliot and Tyler Morton.

Unai Emery’s side may have scraped avoiding a points deduction due to overspending in the Premier League’s eyes, but they will still have to make some big sales in the coming windows if they want to avoid any punishment from UEFA.

Watkins has long been linked with Arsenal and even ourselves in recent memory, but the English striker would be a big get for Liverpool, despite being older and not as prolific as Isak last season.

How would move benefit Newcastle United?

First and foremost, any pursuit of Watkins could indicate that Isak is firmly off the table for this summer at least, with it remaining to be seen if they really are serious about signing Hugo Ekitike as a ‘plan B’ to our Swedish superstar.

Watkins’ departure would greatly weaken Villa, significantly boost our chances of finishing above them in the table once again, help us keep Isak another season and potentially clear the way for Ekitike to arrive.

Though that’s not to say that Watkins wouldn’t be an excellent signing for Liverpool: at 29, he’s England’s next best striker behind Harry Kane for a reason and has been one of the most consistent Premier League forwards for a few seasons now.