Man United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed his ‘conspiracy theory’ which he believes could stop Liverpool from signing Alexander Isak as the Newcastle star pushes for a move this summer.
Isak was left out of Newcastle’s squad for their tour to the Far East, with the forward nursing a thigh injury.
Mail Sport then exclusively revealed that Isak had asked to explore a move away, with reigning Premier League champions Liverpool the clear frontrunners for his signature.
Newcastle are formally braced for an offer from Liverpool for Isak, with the Reds set to bank £65million from the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich.
The Magpies are currently working on deals for more than one striker right now, aware that Isak could go, with Yoane Wissa and Benjamin Sesko are the most active pursuits.
Mail Sport reported on Tuesday that RB Leipzig forward Sesko is one of two options, along with Ollie Watkins, being considered by Man United in their search for a striker.
Man United legend Rio Ferdinand revealed his ‘conspiracy theory’ to stop Liverpool signing Alexander Isak
Ferdinand claimed Man United should look to beat Newcastle to the signing of Benjamin Sesko
He suggested if Newcastle missed out on Sesko, they would be unable to sell Isak to Liverpool
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the former Man United defender put forward a theory as to why the Red Devils should move to sign Sesko, with the 22-year-old understood to be available for £60m plus add-ons to certain clubs.
‘Can I just say why we should buy him,’ Ferdinand said.
‘I wanted a striker with experience, so he would not be my first choice obviously, even now.
‘But the fact that, this is a bit of a conspiracy theory, if Man United buy him and Newcastle don’t get a No 9, does that mean Isak stays at Newcastle and Liverpool don’t get Isak.
‘Liverpool’s transfer window has been nothing short of exceptional so far, if they get Isak it is lights out for the Premier League.’
Ferdinand’s suggestion, which may have been tongue in cheek, comes with the number of forward options on the market rapidly dwindling.
Liverpool had already beaten Newcastle to the signing of Hugo Ekitike, while Arsenal last week sealed a deal for Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon.
Ferdinand’s comment also reflected Liverpool’s powerful moves in the transfer market this summer, despite finishing 10 points clear last season.
Isak has asked to explore a move away from Newcastle with Liverpool the clear frontrunners
Ferdinand claimed Liverpool signing Isak would be ‘lights out’ for the Premier League, with the defending champions having spent heavily this summer on the likes of Hugo Ekitike, right
The Reds have already signed Florian Wirtz for £116m and paid £69million plus add-ons to Eintracht Frankfurt for Ekitike.
Full backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have also joined for £40m and £29.5m respectively, along with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for £25m.
While putting forward his suggestion to pursue Sesko, Ferdinand highlighted the proven Premier League quality of Watkins when considering Man United’s interest in the Aston Villa star.
‘If you get Watkins you have got a guaranteed 15 to 20 goals, and you have got that with [Matheus] Cunha] and [Bryan] Mbeumo,’ he said.
‘You have got double figures all the way up front, baring in mind we we 16th in terms of goals scored last season, these would get you a minimum 40 goals next season.
‘The uncertainty [with Sesko] is if he can adapt to this league.’
