Arne Slot jokingly described it as “very nice” for Eddie Howe that Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of Nick Woltemade.
The Liverpool head coach made the comment when asked for the latest on Alexander Isak.
Earlier this summer, Liverpool had a £110m bid for Isak rejected by Newcastle.
Reports now suggest the Reds could return with an improved offer, which would break the British transfer record, before the transfer window closes at 7pm on Monday, September 1.
The Magpies have strengthened their forward options by agreeing a £69.2m deal with Stuttgart for Germany international Woltemade.
With the wantaway Isak currently unavailable for selection, this is a significant boost for Howe – particularly as Anthony Gordon faces a three-match ban following his red card in Monday’s thrilling 3-2 loss to Liverpool at St James’ Park.
Asked whether Woltemade’s arrival could help Liverpool in their pursuit of the Sweden international, Slot said at Thursday’s press conference: “Newcastle have signed—if it’s true – a new No.9, so that’s very nice for Eddie because Anthony Gordon is suspended and Isak has not been training with the team a lot.”
“So it’s nice for them to have another number nine.”
Slot continued: “After Monday evening, I said that again I could make a substitution that impacted the game. That’s what Federico (Chiesa) did against Bournemouth and Rio (Ngumoha) did against Newcastle.
“As always we try to sign players that can help us but there’s no reason after the first two games to complain.
“But if we can strengthen the squad then we always try to do that for the right player and right player.
“There’s only three-four days to go now, so let’s see if we do something and if we do something, what we can do.”
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