Liverpool's TWO Alexander Isak transfer meetings as three-man striker shortlist emerges

Liverpool had two chances to sign Alexander Isak before he rose to stardom, but remain interested in the Newcastle hitman, who is among three strikers they are tracking this summer.

The Swede came through the ranks at AIK in his homeland and it was whilst he was on their books that the Reds held talks over the striker. Fotbollskanalen claimed that Liverpool discussed the young striker, but nothing came of the meeting.

Isak would eventually leave for Borussia Dortmund before heading to Real Sociedad and then Newcastle. It was in Spain that he made his name, which attracted plenty of attention, but the Magpies acted and spent a club-record fee of around £60million to sign Isak.

Liverpool passed up the chance to sign Isak that summer when they instead chose to spend a then club-record fee on Darwin Nunez - which left Newcastle with a free run at the Swedish star. The club's former director of research Ian Graham has admitted that Klopp's say over transfer activity was a major factor in Nunez, who had scored against the Reds in the Champions League, being picked over Isak.

It has proved an inspired call and the 25-year-old is now one of the most sought after strikers in Europe. He scored against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final last season as Newcastle finally ended their trophy drought.

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He is now valued at well north of £100m and has a lengthy contract still to run at St James' Park. Newcastle have no plans to sell but the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked, with the Reds thought to have shortlisted him as well as two other No 9s.

Alongside Isak they are also keeping tabs on Hugo Ekitike and Victor Osimhen. Current frontman Darwin Nunez has been linked with a move away with Serie A giants Napoli particularly keen. Should he leave, a replacement is right at the top of Liverpool’s agenda.

Despite the Premier League champions’ huge outlay this summer, their PSR situation means they can continue to invest and Arne Slot wants more firepower. Osimhen would represent a very affordable option and he's proven for years that he can consistently find the back of the net.

The Nigerian appears to have little future at Napoli having spent last season on loan with Turkish giants Galatasaray. The 26-year-old still scored 37 goals in all competitions last term. Osimhen reportedly has a €75m (£63m) release clause written into his contract with parent side Napoli.

Ekitike meanwhile has enjoyed a stellar year with Frankfurt - and that has also caught the attention of Chelsea and Manchester United. The German club have claimed they will sell if they cannot match the striker's ambitions.

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