United begin $82m clean-out as star show door; Reds ‘go all-in’ to end ugly standoff — Rumour Mill

Liverpool are reportedly prepared to submit an improved bid for Alexander Isak before the September 1 transfer deadline, ending his stand-off with Newcastle United.

The 25-year-old, who is under contract with Newcastle until 2028, has expressed a desire to join the reigning Premier League champions, with Liverpool tabling an initial £110 million (AU$230 million) offer for the Swede striker. However, the Magpies are reportedly holding out for a £150 million (AU$311 million) offer.

The hierarchy at Anfield may be reluctant to push the price too high after splurging £116 million (AU$241 million) on attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and £79 million (AU$164 million) on Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.

However, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has insisted the squad needs another striker following the transfers of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz along with the tragic death of Diogo Jota

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Meanwhile, the early season showings of Arne Slot’s men have raised doubts over whether Liverpool should allocate more major funds to retooling their attack or invest in a defence, with the Reds winning both of their opening two Premier League games in wild, high-scoring encounters.

However, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are ready to go all-in and bid again for Isak, whose stance on leaving Newcastle has never changed. Isak will reportedly be allowed to leave St James’ Park if Newcastle signs replacements and the £150 million demand is met.

Elsewhere, Chelsea has agreed to a £40 million (AU$82 million) fee to sign Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, according to several reports.

The 21-year-old Argentina international will undergo a medical in London on Friday before signing a contract through to 2032. United will also receive 10 per cent of any future transfer.

It will be the club’s fourth largest ever sale after Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku and Angel di Maria.

United have spent a combined £200 million (AU$416 million) on new attacking trio Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.

Elsewhere, Rasmus Hojlund, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Antony have also been exiled by Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and are searching for new homes.

Earlier this year, Garnacho cast doubt over his future at United after being dropped for the Red Devils’ Europa League final against Tottenham.

Manchester United's Argentinian midfielder #17 Alejandro Garnacho is off to Chelsea. Source: AFP

Despite starting every knockout game of the run to the Europa League final, he was overlooked in favour of Mason Mount and only made his introduction for the tournament decider with 19 minutes remaining.

“Until we reached the final, I played every round. And I played 20 minutes today... I don’t know,” Garnacho told reporters at the time.

“We didn’t beat anyone in the league. We lacked a lot of things. When you don’t score goals, you always need more.”

He continued: “The final will influence (my decision) but the whole season, the situation of the club (will too).

“I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens afterwards.”

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