Transfer Updates: Isak, Ekitike, Nunez, Felix, Konate, Others

Liverpool is rethinking their attacking transfer strategy after being told that Newcastle United’s Swedish striker, Alexander Isak, is not for sale this summer, according to Sky Sports.

The Reds had tabled a £120 million transfer bid for the 25-year-old forward, but Newcastle reportedly believe the leak of Liverpool’s bid was a ploy to unsettle the player (Telegraph).

With Isak now off the table, Arne Slot’s side is now eyeing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. The 23-year-old Frenchman has emerged as a serious contender to bolster Liverpool’s front line, with interest intensifying in recent days.

However, Ekitike is not the only name on Liverpool’s radar. According to Mail+, the Anfield hierarchy has made contact over four other forward options: Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins (29), Napoli’s Victor Osimhen (26), Brentford’s Yoane Wissa (28), and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo (24). All are being considered as part of a contingency plan in case Ekitike also becomes unattainable.

In a related twist, Napoli has declared that a move for Darwin Núñez is “off” this summer, per Fabrizio Romano, shutting down any potential swap or bid involving the Uruguayan forward.

Meanwhile, the situation surrounding Luis Díaz continues to spiral. The Colombian winger, who was subject to a £58.6 million bid from Bayern Munich, is said to have made his desire to leave Liverpool crystal clear after the club rejected the offer (The Athletic).

Leeds United have reportedly agreed in principle to sign Newcastle’s English midfielder Sean Longstaff, 27 (The Athletic), while Tottenham are preparing to go head-to-head with Inter Milan for 23-year-old Belgian defender Koni De Winter, according to i-News.

On the south coast, Bournemouth are standing firm on a £59 million valuation for their highly-rated Ukrainian centre-back Illia Zabarnyi, who is being pursued by Paris Saint-Germain (Independent).

Chelsea are also preparing for a major summer clear-out. Portuguese forward Joao Felix is in talks to return to Benfica, and French attacker Christopher Nkunku, 27, is expected to be among those heading for the exit door (Evening Standard).

Manchester United have entered the race to sign Juventus and Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz. Everton are also in the mix for the 27-year-old’s signature (Football Insider).

Back at Liverpool, Ibrahima Konaté has reportedly turned down a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League (Mirror). But the club have slapped a £43.5 million price tag on the 26-year-old France international, should other suitors step forward (AS).

West Ham and Brentford are both interested in Sassuolo and Italy striker Andrea Pinamonti (26), while Leeds United are looking to bring in 21-year-old Spanish striker Gonzalo Garcia on loan from Real Madrid (TBR FootballNottinghamgham Forest have identified Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey (24) as their top midfield target this window (Telegraph).