Liverpool has identified Jarrod Bowen as a cheaper alternative to Newcastle striker Alexander Isak. The Reds are huge admirers of Isak, but Newcastle is likely to demand a Premier League record fee to sell him this summer, with the north-east club in a very strong negotiating position considering Isak's contract at St. James' Park runs until 2028.
Isak has scored 24 goals in 34 appearances this season, including what turned out to be the decisive strike in the Carabao Cup final versus Liverpool, and the Sweden international is on the radars of both Liverpool and Arsenal.
Even a bid in excess of $150 million might not be able to tempt Newcastle to sell Isak, as the club is under no financial pressure to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules, and Eddie Howe views him as a central figure to the Newcastle project.
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That's why Liverpool is seemingly considering a move for another Premier League star, West Ham's Bowen, as an alternative to Isak. The 28-year-old's versatility (he can play as a winger or as a striker) is said to appeal to Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, but there are a number of reasons why this deal is unlikely to happen.
Bowen is said to have no desire to leave West Ham, which he is contracted to until 2030, and the Hammers also have no intention of selling their star man. Liverpool's transfer policy is also likely to be an issue, as the club tends to pursue players in their early to mid-20s, and Bowen will turn 29 later this year.
Meanwhile, Rousing the Kop reports that Liverpool is considering swooping for a Brazilian wonderkid who currently plays for Vasco da Gama.
Eighteen-year-old Rayan, who plays as a forward, has already made more than 40 appearances for Vasco, and his performances for Brazil at the Under-20 South American Championship are said to have increased his chances of getting a move to Europe.
The clamor for big clubs to sign Rayan has reportedly intensified as a result of his performances at the aforementioned international youth tournament.
It is claimed that a deal for Rayan could be struck fairly cheaply, but then the article also says he could end up costing the Reds £25 million ($29 million).
Liverpool is set to be in the market for new attackers this summer, with Darwin Nunez seemingly set to leave and uncertainty lingering over the futures of Harvey Elliot and Federico Chiesa, who are both yet to start a Premier League game under Slot.
