Alexander Isak transfer admission, Liverpool 'growing interest', Arne Slot's true feelings

Alexander Isak transfer admission, Liverpool 'growing interest', Arne Slot's true feelings

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is one of the in-form forwards in the Premier League and interest is piling up for him

Liverpool supporters across the country were breathing a sigh of relief on Wednesday night when they saw Newcastle United's teamsheet for their Premier League clash. Alexander Isak was a surprise absentee for the visitors at Anfield having scored a brace against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Isak's injury ensured he was not risked by Eddie Howe and Liverpool capitalised winning 2-0 and strengthening their hand at the top of the Premier League. While the Reds would have been relieved not to have come up against him on Wednesday, they would love to have him playing regularly at Anfield in the Liverpool shirt.

Amid new rumours surrounding Isak's move to the Reds, the PaperTalk has rounded up the latest news on the centre-forward.

Liverpool's 'growing interest'

According to The Times, the Reds hold a growing interest in Isak as the summer transfer window nears ever closer. Arsenal are understood to be long-term suitors of Isak but it is Liverpool who could be a more appealing prospect.

Isak's contract is thought to be a sticking point considering it does not expire until 2028. However, there has already been talk that the Swede has reached a stalemate with Newcastle in regards to signing a new deal.

Isak transfer admission

Speaking back in November when rumours circulated about the forward's contract negotiations, Isak admitted his full focus is on the Magpies until the end of the season. He told Fotbol Skanalen: "I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle, and I have never had any problem there.

"I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. There are still great opportunities for that.

"I have no thoughts about anything else."

Slot's true feelings

It is fair to say whatever happens in the summer, Arne Slot will remain a big fan of Isak. He was highly complimentary of the striker in a recent press conference when asked about him.

"It’s an understatement to say he is in fine form, I think he is in excellent form," the Dutchman said. "Also over there it’s the team performance that will help us control him, so the more ball possession we have the easier it is to control him – although he’s definitely a threat on the counter-attack as well.

"The good thing for us is we’ve got two centre-backs that are probably some of the best players who are able to play against him. I don’t say this with perfect English, but what I mean is that we’ve got two very, very, very good centre-backs and that’s definitely what you need if you face a striker with the quality of Alexander Isak."