LATEST UPDATES : Newcastle respond to Liverpool’s player plus cash offer for Alexander Isak

Newcastle respond to Liverpool’s player plus cash offer for Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak has scored 22 goals this season

Liverpool have sensationally offered Darwin Nunez plus cash to Newcastle United in a bid to sign Alexander Isak, according to reports.

Isak is one of the most in form strikers in the world, having scored 22 goals and made five assists in 31 games across all competitions.

His latest strike came in the FA Cup fifth round defeat to Brighton on Sunday, though the Swede later hobbled off the pitch and is now a doubt for the Carabao Cup final.

Newcastle take on Liverpool at Wembley on March 16 and while always underdogs, their task will be considerably harder if star players Isak, Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall are all ruled out.

Regardless, Isak has become one of the most coveted players in the Premier League, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid all linked.

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The Magpies are determined not to lose their talisman, slapping a £160million price tag on the 25-year-old, which would make him the third-most expensive footballer of all time.

This demand has put many interested parties off, but has not stopped Liverpool from proposing an audacious swap deal.

Darwin Nunez has scored just six goals this campaign

The Newcastle Chronicle report that the Reds have offered a transfer fee plus Nunez, who they value at £60m, in exchange for Isak.

That offer was ‘dismissed out of hand’ and it remains to be seen whether Arne Slot’s side will make another bid in the future.

Isak may remain at St. James’ Park but it’s looking increasingly likely that Nunez will leave Anfield in the summer.

Arne Slot does not appear to rate Nunez

The Uruguay international has proven to be a frustrating forward since his £70m transfer from Benfica, receiving praise for his energy and work-rate but ridicule for his countless missed chances – some of which have come in front of open goals.

He came close to leaving for the Saudi Pro League in January and Slot’s recent criticism has only fuelled the speculation that he will be sold just three years after his big money arrival.