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Liverpool identify Marcus Rashford and five other targets as Alexander Isak alternatives as Newcastle rebuff £120 million interest - Paper Round
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Published 15/07/2025 at 22:54 GMT+1
Liverpool have included Marcus Rashford on a six-man striker shortlist if they are unable to persuade Newcastle to sell them the Swedenh international forward Alexander Isak, amid talk of a bid of £120 million. Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest are keen on bringing in Aston Villa forward Jacob Ramsey, and Leeds are on the cusp of signing Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 7: Manchester United's Marcus Rashford during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Old Trafford on December 7, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stephen White - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
Liverpool identify Isak alternatives
Liverpool have already identified six players who could be targets if they fail to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle.
Ollie Watkins, Victor Osimhen, Yoane Wissa, Hugo Ekitike, Rodrygo and even Marcus Rashford have come under consideration.
The Daily Mail writes: "Newcastle do not want to sell and are likely to offer Isak improved terms. It is not yet known if he wants to sign a new deal. The club are braced for a formal Liverpool offer.
"However, Liverpool have alternatively asked about Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, as part of discussions involving the Italian champions' ongoing interest in Darwin Nunez, Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike at Eintracht Frankfurt, while they are alert to Real Madrid potentially selling Rodrygo.
"Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford was also floated but that initial conversation has not progressed so far."
Newcastle refuse to sell Isak
Newcastle United have no interest in selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool, amid rumours of a £120 million offer.
The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Anfield, but his current club want to keep the Sweden international for the coming season.
The Mirror reports: "Newcastle remain adamant that Alexander Isak is not for sale this summer despite an approach from Liverpool over a potential £120 million deal for their star striker.
"Isak, 25, has been touted as a possible target for Liverpool and Arsenal over the past 12 months as a result of his fine form for the Magpies. And the Premier League champions have now made it clear they would like to sign the Sweden international for a British record transfer fee this summer.
"News of an approach from Liverpool broke on Tuesday at a time where Newcastle are pursuing Hugo Ekitike, the Eintracht Frankfurt frontman who is also on the Reds' radar.
"But while Liverpool would be willing to part with an astronomical sum of money to secure Isak's signature, Newcastle don't want to sell."
Ramsey a target for Forest
Jacob Ramsey is a target for Nottingham Forest as they look to strengthen their squad for the coming season.
A £30 million fee is mentioned by the Telegraph, who point out that his homegrown status would help Forest meet European squad requirements.
The paper explains: "Nottingham Forest have made Aston Villa forward Jacob Ramsey a primary summer target to bolster their squad ahead of their long-awaited return to European football next season.
"The 24-year-old, name checked by Thomas Tuchel when the England manager named his first squad, has been identified at the City Ground as a player who could play across Nuno Espírito Santo’s front line.
"Forest are looking to shape their squad for another push at a high-placed Premier League finish while also juggling the Europa League after finishing seventh last season.
"When previously linked with clubs a potential fee has been upwards of £30 million, with Villa also in the Europa League next season and Ramsey being a valuable ‘home trained’ player for them and homegrown for Forest’s quota."
Leeds set to clinch Longstaff deal
Leeds United are finally poised to get their deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff over the line.
The Athletic reports that the deal for the 27-year-old could be worth up to £12 million.
The website states: "Leeds United have reached an agreement in principle to sign Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United.
"The Athletic reported on June 7 that the newly-promoted side submitted an offer to their Premier League counterparts worth £10 million plus £2m in add-ons, which was a third proposal for the 27-year-old.
"That valuation was close to the limit Leeds were willing to pay for Longstaff, with other candidates on their radar for a transfer if a move for the Newcastle midfielder could not be completed."
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