Alexander Isak Liverpool Alternative Transfer Pick Will Irk Manchester City

Liverpool still have their fingers crossed that they can make a deal happen with Newcastle United for Alexander Isak.

The Magpies have dug their heels in on a £150million fee for their wantaway striker even though the 25-year-old has been refusing to pull on the jersey and play for the club.

Eddie Howe has left the attacker out of more than one of his matchday squads so far this term and Newcastle issued a statement following Isak’s own comments insisting it would be “better for everyone” to let him leave.

The transfer saga is ongoing and has painted Isak in a poor light regardless of where he ends up at the end of the window following Liverpool’s failed £110m bid for him earlier this year.

Recent reports claimed the current Premier League champions are preparing a £130m offer – that could even exceed that fee – but Newcastle still want more than that.

Liverpool identify Rodrygo as Alexander Isak transfer alternative

The Reds have no ‘Plan B’ for defensive target Marc Guehi but it appears they do have one should Isak not make the move to Anfield, in the end.

According to reports, Arne Slot is interested seriously in bringing Rodrygo from Real Madrid.

The Brazilian is being touted as an option for Slot and his side with claims suggesting a fee of around €100million has been slapped on the player’s head. That equates to around £86.5m.

Madrid boss Xabi Alonso recently said: “We need everyone. Those who start, those who come from the bench. There’s going to be a lot of games for everyone.”

That stance from the Spaniard had Liverpool questioning whether or not Rodrygo will be available.

Why Manchester City will be frustrated with Liverpool interest

But it is not just the Reds who are keen and their expected offer will likely frustrate rivals Manchester City who also like Rodrygo.

Transfer king Fabrizio Romano recently revealed City were hopeful of landing the Madrid playmaker, 24, if he was looking for a move to the Etihad.

Pep Guardiola is a “big fan” of the attacker and that could have some sway.

City have already pushed the boat out this summer for the likes of Tijjani Reijnders who they spent roughly €55m on while Rayan Aït-Nouri cost the club close to €40m.

James Trafford and Rayan Cherki also recently signed for City but the €100m demands for Rodrygo would dwarf any other individual transfer fee spent by the club this window.

It remains to be seen whether or not Rodrygo will be allowed to leave the Bernabeu and, if so, which club will sign the former Santos star.