Liverpool's secret WEAPON in unlocking deals for Isak and Gordon

Liverpool’s summer transfer plans could end up being seriously entwined with those of Newcastle United. First off, the Reds are known to be interested in Alexander Isak.

The 25-year-old forward hit 23 goals for the Magpies in the Premier League last season. That helped propel the North East club back to the Champions League and establish Isak as one of the finest strikers around.

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He is in many ways the dream forward for Arne Slot but it is not going to be easy to arrange a transfer. Newcastle would want over £120m for the Swede, who is out of contract in 2028.

READ MORE: Liverpool look to Saudi Arabia for £60m striker deal

And Liverpool have also got their eye on the £75m-rated winger Anthony Gordon.

The club were close to doing a deal for the England international last summer but the move hit a last-minute hitch owing to Newcastle requesting Jarell Quansah to be part of the deal.

Liverpool looking at Newcastle for Isak and Gordon

24-year-old Gordon is well-known to several Liverpool squad members from England duty and last summer was reported to be keen on a return to Merseyside. And Newcastle have got a few Liverpool players in their sights.

It will be too late to add Quansah - with the defender now close to Bayer Leverkusen - but there are others in the squad they have been looking at.

Diogo Jota is now reported to be of interest to the Geordies, with the Reds willing to cash in on their Portuguese talisman.

Harvey Elliott's name has come up, meanwhile, as a potential Magpies target. Then there’s Joe Gomez. The long-serving defender could be available for the right price this summer and if the right offer appeals to him.

But Newcastle are in some off-field turmoil currently, which could make negotiations difficult. Paul Mitchell has just stood down from his post as sporting director, according to a new report in the Daily Mail.

The club are now setting about interviewing various candidates for the prestigious role and there is a very familiar name among the potential appointments.

Julian Ward on Newcastle's wishlist

“Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell has stood down from his sporting director role with immediate effect - and Andy Howe has been asked to step up to work alongside head of recruitment Steve Nickson,” a report reads.

“Nottingham Forest chief Ross Wilson is among the candidates and former Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto will be spoken to by Nolan [recruiters]. We can also reveal that Julian Ward, Liverpool’s technical director, is another name in the frame.”

Julian Ward first joined Liverpool back in 2012 after leaving Manchester City. He became European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal before a promotion to loan pathways and partnership manager.

He was anointed as assistant sporting director to Michael Edwards in 2020 before taking on the sporting director role in 2022.

Ward walked away from the club a year later but was convinced to return as technical director when Edwards rejoined FSG as CEO of Football. He now has a broad remit across FSG, including player development as well as the academy and loans.

Ward could help Liverpool in Newcastle talks

But the role at Newcastle could be enticing if the right conditions are met. If the deal goes ahead this summer, Liverpool could see someone at St. James’ Park who may be easier to deal with than the previous incumbent.

READ MORE: Liverpool preparing offer for £75m England forward

Ward could see the merit in doing business with Liverpool for players in priority positions - while conducting deals that could see Gordon and Isak go the other way.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano drops MASSIVE hint that Liverpool have won striker race

We are a long way off from this happening but Newcastle - and Ward in particular - could hold the key to a successful conclusion to this transfer window.