Deadline SET for Liverpool forward deal

Liverpool’s current focus is on bringing Alexander Isak to the club as quickly as possible.

The Newcastle striker has not joined his teammates on their preseason tour to Asia following a dramatic week at St. James’ Park.

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First came the news that Isak had declined the opportunity to speak with the Geordies over a new contract. Then it emerged that the Sweden international was seeking a move away from Tyneside.

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Liverpool will be right there waiting for the 25-year-old should an opportunity to sign him transpire. But there is also outgoing business to attend to - with departures required to finance a deal for Isak as well as a centre-back later in the window.

Chiesa wanted by Napoli

One of those touted for a sale has been Federico Chiesa. The 27-year-old appears to be surplus to requirements following a poor first season on Merseyside.

He has been left out of Liverpool’s preseason tour as he and his representatives attempt to secure a move away. Several teams in Italy - most notably Atalanta and AC Milan - are reported to be interested in the winger.

And now it’s emerged that Napoli have not gone away - despite reports that they would be seeking a deal for Dan Ndoye of Bologna instead.

Chiesa - along with Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling - remain on Napoli’s radar as a potential Plan B in case a deal for Ndoye cannot be done.

July 30 the deadline for Chiesa deal

And Antonio Conte’s side are seeking to wrap up this transfer quickly. A report in Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Conte wants his squad complete by July 30 for his team’s preseason training camp at Castel di Sangro.

“Chiesa hasn't been called up by Liverpool for their tour of Asia, and his time in England already seems to be coming to an end. Napoli could offer him the chance to redeem himself, provided the winger reduces his salary demands,” a report reads.

Chiesa is making around £120k per week on a contract until 2028 - and Italian sides have previously been put off by those demands.

Back in January, plenty of interest in Chiesa materialised from Serie A when it became clear that he was homesick. Despite the attentions of the aforementioned teams - as well as Roma and Inter - Chiesa stayed at Anfield.

In all he played only SIX times in the Premier League - to no great effect - and barely impressed in his other outings either.

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If Liverpool can make back the £12.5m or so they paid to Juventus last September - and a resolution can be found over his wages - then expect to see Chiesa leave as soon as this week.

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