Liverpool's attempt to complete a player-plus-cash deal involving Alexander Isak and Darwin Nunez has reportedly been rejected by Newcastle United.
The Reds and the Magpies are set to meet each other in the EFL Cup final on March 16, but the Merseysiders will feel confident of victory given their impressive campaign so far.
Liverpool are first in the Premier League - 13 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal - while Newcastle are sixth with 44 points, 23 behind the league leaders.
However, despite the Reds' success this season, question marks remain regarding a number of players such as Nunez, who has only started seven times in the Premier League.
Boss Arne Slot may look to replace the striker, but Chronicle Live report that Newcastle have dismissed the suggestion that Nunez could be used in a swap deal for Isak.
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Would Isak work at Liverpool?
Nunez has only scored four goals in the Premier League this season and though he is usually praised for his work rate, Slot criticised the striker for his effort in recent weeks.
The Dutch boss has previously insisted that his number nine has to be a "facilitator" as well as a goalscorer, and that includes working relentlessly off the ball for Mohamed Salah, who leads the way in the top flight in both goals (25) and assists (17).
Isak has scored 19 Premier League goals this campaign and has proven to be an adept finisher, but while his link-up play is strong, his history of muscle injuries is concerning.
The Newcastle forward was taken off as a precaution against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday in the FA Cup, and though manager Eddie Howe insisted that he hopes the attacker has avoided injury, he has only started 30 league games once in his entire career.
If Isak was asked to do the same work out of possession as Nunez, there is a chance he could pick up more injuries and miss out on significant periods of football.
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Who else could Liverpool target?
Slot has in recent weeks opted to used Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai up front, and while the duo are natural midfielders, they have been seen dropping deep in order to draw defenders away from the backline and give Salah more space.
Someone like Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha could suit a role in such a system, with his powerful dribbling style making him a good stylistic fit.
Elsewhere, Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike may be an option to play up front as a striker given he shares similarities with Isak.
Liverpool could also have to look for a wide forward considering Salah is yet to sign a contract extension and is set to leave the club for free at the end of the season, but Slot will hope to be able to rely on his talisman in 2025-26.
Lewis Nolan
