Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle United served only to highlight the issues that need addressing this summer.

The Reds looked shattered at Wembley, with too many players either ran into the ground or simply not good enough.

Unfortunately, the latter looks to be the case for Liverpool’s central striking options.

Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez were once again well below their best as the Reds scrabbled around in vain against Newcastle.

Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool are pushing for Alexander Isak	Fabrizio Romano gives an update on Alexander Isak transfer	£75m talent among three wingers Liverpool could replace Luis Diaz with after latest Fabrizio Romano update

On the other side, Alexander Isak showed why Liverpool want to sign him.

Isak was not especially involved for large periods, but popped up with a clinical finish which ultimately won the game.

Reports have been filtering out that Liverpool could go big on Isak during the summer market.

And according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Reds have already made the first move towards a deal.

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Newcastle fans will be desperately hoping that Isak will stay with them this summer.

However, it feels as though the 25-year-old could very much be preparing to leave.

While winning Sunday’s trophy was obviously fantastic for the club, perhaps for a player like Isak he will now feel as though his job with the Magpies is done.

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Should he decide he wants to move on, it sounds as though Liverpool will be right in the mix to sign him.

Speaking on his YouTube channel on Monday afternoon, Romano says the Reds have indeed already been in touch with Isak’s people about the prospect of a summer move to Anfield.

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“Big, big massive proposals will come to the table for Alexander Isak,” says the transfer expert.

“But we know when there is important money on the table it is sometimes about the financial fair play and all these kinds of things.”

Both Liverpool and Arsenal are in clear need of a new striker this summer and it’s obvious why they’d both love to sign Isak.

The Sweden international has been sensational this season and is currently one of the best and most complete number nine’s in world football.

However, that will obviously come at a cost.

For Newcastle to let Isak go it’s surely going to cost well north of £100m.

In that case, Liverpool are going to have to be absolutely sure that he is their man.
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