Newcastle United are set to complete the signing of 16-year-old prospect Isaac Moran after he rejected a contract offer from Liverpool.
The Magpies and the Reds have been the stories of the transfer window this summer with the tug of war for Alexander Isak in full flow.
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However, this deal will prove to be a lot less complicated than that saga.
Moran, who spent ten years with Liverpool, declined a contract extension after his current deal is set to expire in June. Instead, he has decided to move to Tyneside.
Fabrizio Romano reports the teenager is seen as a potential star at St James’ Park and a deal is agreed for him to join.
In a post on Instagram, Moran confirmed his Liverpool departure was for his career prospects.
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He said: “I have made the tough decision to leave Liverpool Football Club.
“This wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It’s been an honor to be part of the club. However, I believe moving elsewhere is the best step for my career and future opportunities.
“I want to express my gratitude to all my teammates, coaches, and staff for their dedication over the past decade. They have helped shape not only my football skills but also the person I’ve become.”
“From the bottom of my heart. Thank you. YNWA.”
Moran, once a youth captain for England, advanced from Liverpool’s Under-16s to the Under-18s last season, completing full 90-minute matches against Nottingham Forest, Wolves, and Sunderland.
The center-back is represented by the PLG Agency, which also manages Trent Alexander-Arnold. Moran joins a list of players they’ve assisted in leaving Liverpool this summer.
While Moran is not expected to join Newcastle’s first team immediately, his signing is a positive development for a club that has faced a challenging summer.
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The likes of Joao Pedro, James Trafford and Benjamin Sesko all ended up at different clubs, but Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale have joined.
The Magpies are set to sign Malick Thiaw from AC Milan and still hope to add Yoane Wissa.
There is then the Isak saga, with the Reds making a £110 million bid for the striker.
The offer was immediately rejected, and as it stands, Liverpool aren’t planning to return with another bid.
However, Isak isn’t training with the first-team after expressing his desire to leave Tyneside.
Reports had suggested that Newcastle informed Isak he wouldn’t be allowed to leave, but Eddie Howe has made it clear he isn’t aware of that being the case.
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Meanwhile, Liverpool have backed Arne Slot to the tune of over £290 million, strengthening in numerous areas ahead of their Premier League title defence.
Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have all arrived at Anfield so far, with all of them involved in the Reds’ Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace.
After the game, Virgil van Dijk indicated that the Reds need to sign another attacker.
Speaking to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, he said: “There’s always room for an attacker.”
Liverpool have lost Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, but it remains to be seen if they come back in for Isak.
If they do, Moran’s transfer won’t be the only deal involving Liverpool and Newcastle this summer.
