Alexander Isak deal moves CLOSER after Saudi transfer request

Alexander Isak has informed Newcastle United that he does not wish to sign a new contract - and instead would like a move away from the club.

The Mapgies had been hopeful of hanging onto their star forward - but it appears the Sweden international’s head has been turned.

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Liverpool first approached Eddie Howe’s side over Isak earlier this month - being informed that he wasn’t for sale. But the outlook is very different now that Isak has handed in a transfer request.

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The Reds will be frontrunners for his signature - although PIF would seemingly prefer to sell Isak to Newcastle’s sister club Al-Hilal.

Al-Hilal target Darwin

Nonetheless, the player’s desire is to remain in Europe in order to compete for the biggest honours. Liverpool can offer that opportunity as reigning Premier League title holders and Champions League mainstays.

Al-Hilal, meanwhile, are likely to move on to other targets and it’s been reported in Saudi Arabia that Darwin Nunez is in their sights.

It’s not the first time the Uruguayan has been linked with a move to the Riyadh giants - who made an attempt to land the 26-year-old back in January.

Inzaghi requests Nunez signing

They have got a new coach in the shape of Simone Inzaghi, with Al-Riyadiah newspaper now reporting that the Italian has REQUESTED the signing of the Liverpool No9.

“Italian coach Simone Inzaghi asked Al-Hilal officials to sign Uruguayan international Darwin Nunez, the Liverpool striker, with whom Al-Hilal is also negotiating,” the report reads.

Liverpool are thought to be holding out for around £70m for Nunez, who joined from Benfica back in 2022 for a fee that could reach £85m.

That £70m - combined with a similar sum from Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz - would put Liverpool very close to their goal for Isak.

Having splashed out well over £250m so far this summer, Liverpool probably require sales for the next phase of their plans.

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Harvey Elliott, Tyler Morton, Federico Chiesa and Ben Doak could also be on their way out the door - but a deal for Nunez to join Inzaghi in Saudi Arabia would help kickstart the Reds’ move for Isak.

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