REDS COULD LOOK TO PLAN B IF ISAK MOVE DIFFICULT

ECHO writers believe former City man Alvarez could be alternative to Liverpool's main striking target

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THE Alexander Isak saga has been simmering for a few days now after explosive statements earlier in the week. The talk will undoubtedly ramp up again in the buildup to Liverpool's clash with Newcastle United on Monday.

As much as the Reds hold an interest in the on-strike striker and he's keen on the move, it still feels like a lot needs to happen before a deal gets over the line. With that in mind, Liverpool will surely need to have their eye on some alternatives in the final week of the summer window.

With that in mind, we asked our writers what player or players they would look to land should Isak remain at St James' Park beyond the deadline.

PAUL GORST

With Monday evening leaving Liverpool with a week left of the transfer window, time is of the essence if Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes are to finish an exciting, history-making few months of player trading with a flourish.

The problem is, the object of their affection, Alexander Isak, is currently in the clutches of not only Newcastle United but their owners, who are the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. You get the feeling from the endless quizzing on it that Eddie Howe might like to wash his hair of the problem and reinvest a potential British-record sum back into the squad at St James' Park.

As he has said on a number of occasions now, however, that decision is out his hands, leaving him with little choice but to talk up the prospect of reintegration for the wantaway Isak. What other option is there for Howe just now?

But if the Saudi Arabian owners are intent on trying to save face by cutting off their nose to spite it, then how much longer do Liverpool let this impasse drag on from their end? They are not able to call many of the shots here.