Liverpool 'immediately open talks' with Real Madrid star Rodrygo after Isak bid

Liverpool have reporredly contacted the representatives of Real Madrid winger Rodrygo as they step up their pursuit of attacking reinforcements following their rejected bid for Alexander Isak

Liverpool have reportedly made contact with Real Madrid's Rodrygo following their initially unsuccessful attempt to sign Alexander Isak.

After a bid £110million for the Newcastle striker was turned down in favour of a £150m price tag, Liverpool have cooled their interest in the Swedish forward for now.

Despite Isak's efforts to secure a move to Anfield, including rejecting a new contract in the north east and training with his former club Real Sociedad, he will now rejoin the squad after their Far East tour.

Following Luis Diaz's £65.5m move to Bayern Munich, Liverpool are still looking to strengthen their attack. Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott are also anticipated to leave Merseyside this summer in search of more playing time.

According to ESPN Brazil, Liverpool have reached out to Rodrygo's representatives in light of recent events, ahead of making an official offer. The 24-year-old, who has also been linked with Arsenal, is believed to have agreed personal terms with the current Premier League champions.

Rodrygo has fallen out of favour with Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, who is prioritising Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, leading Rodrygo to contemplate a move to England. He is valued at around £70m, reports the Express.

But clubs are now aware that Liverpool still have money to spend, having splashed out on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong for nearly £300m combined, after Eddie Howe confirmed a bid for Isak.

"I really don't know what happens next," Howe said on tour in Asia. "From our perspective, we still support Alex in every way, and my wish is that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.

"It is difficult because you don't know what is going to happen. There can be all sorts of talk and hypothetical situations but then you are dealing with reality.

"The reality is we had the first bid from Liverpool yesterday. I believe that was turned down, from this point onwards let's see what happens. I have no idea to try to predict that."

However, Rodrygo might prove a superior stylistic match compared to Isak, given that Liverpool have already forked out £79m for striker Ekitike.

The Brazilian could feature on the left flank - his favoured position despite operating on the right wing in Madrid - to plug the void created by Diaz's departure.

Ekitike would spearhead the attack centrally, rather than partnering Isak as previously suggested, with Wirtz and Mohamed Salah providing support in a devastating four-man frontline.