Liverpool try Alexander Isak transfer trick repeat in January window

Liverpool are ready to go back into the transfer market in January and are poised to repeat the Alexander Isak saga in a move that will surely infuriate Newcastle United.

The Reds’ pursuit of Isak in the summer caused a huge rift at St James’ Park, spoiling the club’s pre-season preparations and setting them on course for a slow start to the Premier League campaign.

Now Liverpool are getting ready to raid the Geordies again, with centre-back Sven Botman appearing on their radar, according to TalkSport.

Arne Slot’s side are in the market for a central defender due to a long-term injury to Giovanni Leoni plus the ongoing uncertainty of what the future holds for Ibrahima Konate. The France international is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Liverpool are exploring the market for an additional centre-back, and with doubts now raised over their pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, other options are coming to the fore. Maxence Lacroix, also of Palace, is one name they have been linked with, but now Botman has also appeared on the shortlist of the Anfield side.

Liverpool eye Botman deal

Botman is liable to be a difficult target to sign, not least because of the strained relationship Liverpool have with Newcastle after the prolonged Isak saga in the summer.

TalkSport reports that the Magpies have no intention of selling the 25-year-old Dutchman, yet that was also the case with the Swede before he went on strike to force a British-record move worth some €145m.

The former Lille star is unlikely to be so pricey, although Newcastle will surely demand more than his Estimated Transfer Value of €43.6m.

Liverpool have also been left impressed by PSG’s Willian Pacho, Sporting CP duo Zeno Debast and Ousmane Diomande, who may become targets.

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