Fabrizio Romano gives ‘crazy’ Alexander Isak to Liverpool verdict as Newcastle set out stance

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Arne Slot and Liverpool need no reminding of the ruthless finishing prowess of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

They witnessed the silky Swede at the peak of his powers just a few weeks ago at Wembley, after all.

As Alexander Isak swept a stunning finish past Caoimhin Kelleher – thus consigning Arne Slot to his most frustrating day in Liverpool office while ending Newcastle United’s seven-decade wait for a domestic trophy – the £60 million signing from Real Sociedad added another few pounds onto his already expanding price-tag.

Exactly how much Newcastle plan to demand, with Isak likely to be become perhaps the most coveted centre-forward in Europe over the coming months, is uncertain at this stage.

But it’s hard to imagine any of his suitors will get much change – if any – out of £100 million.

Fabrizio Romano said in March that, while Financial Fair Play concerns are likely to keep Manchester United out of the race, Liverpool and Arsenal will push hard for Alexander Isak over the summer.

The potential departure of Arne Slot’s current number nine – Darwin Nunez could yet end up in Saudi Arabia – opens the door for an elite number nine to take his place.

Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool must pay ‘crazy’ fee for Newacstle United’s Alexander Isak

RTK, meanwhile, have been informed that Liverpool are confident Alexander Isak can be lured away from Newcastle as long as his contract remains unsigned.

Though, as Romano himself is keen to point out, The Magpies will be no pushovers.

“Arsenal consider him the dream target but it’s not an easy one,” Romano says. “Liverpool really appreciate the player. Liverpool have made some contact too.

“But the problem in this case is Newcastle. They will make life very difficult for any club interested in Isak because they want to keep the player. For Isak, it has to be a big, big proposal. They want to keep the player.

“They see Isak as part of the club next season. To change this would take something completely crazy.”

Barcelona continue to put out the feelers, too, for a striker who has already proven himself in La Liga on the back of his time in San Sebastian.

“Let me clarify for Barcelona,” Romano adds, putting the La Liga challengers well behind Liverpool and Arsenal at this stage.

“My understanding is that [Isak] is way too expensive. Barcelona appreciate Isak, yes, but in terms of realistic targets, for him to go there at the moment is more than complicated.”

Newcastle admire Jarell Quansah as Liverpool consider their options

Liverpool do have a Jarell Quansah-shaped ace up their sleeve, meanwhile.

Newcastle United remain interested in England Under-21 international Quansah. The talented yet seldom-seen defender has been on Eddie Howe’s wishlist since last summer, with Newcastle valuing him around £50 million.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	31	22	7	2	72	30	42	73
2	ArsenalArsenal	31	17	11	3	56	26	30	62
3	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	31	17	6	8	51	37	14	57
4	ChelseaChelsea	31	15	8	8	54	37	17	53
5	NewcastleNewcastle	30	16	5	9	52	39	13	53
6	Man CityManchester City	31	15	7	9	57	40	17	52

As such, is there a reality in which Quansah can be used as a makeweight in a deal which sees Isak go in the other direction? That remains to be seen, of course.

And an ambitious Newcastle outfit will know, deep down, that finding a centre-forward capable of replicating Alexander Isak’s thrilling returns may be beyond even their billionaire owners.

With Erling Haaland out injured, Isak is emerging as Mo Salah’s greatest challenger for this season’s Golden Boot.

The one-time Borussia Dortmund prospect now has 24 goals from 35 appearances in all competitions.