Transfer rumours: Isak to Newcastle, Ajorque to Everton, Gomes to Liverpool

The Sweden international was strongly linked with a move to Arsenal in the January transfer window but remained in Spain amid reports of a €90m (£75.8m) release clause in his contract.

Isak only managed six goals and two assists in 32 La Liga games for Imanol Alguacil's side last season, but there is still thought to be significant interest in his services.

According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle are still interested in welcoming the 22-year-old to St James' Park but saw a £40m offer rebuffed by Sociedad last month.

While Isak remains under contract at Sociedad until 2026, the Spanish powerhouses are thought to have softened their stance and are now prepared to do business at around the £50m mark.

Another team determined to improve their attacking options in the current window are Everton, whose only Premier League goal so far this season was an own goal by Aston Villa's Lucas Digne.

Richarlison has moved on to Tottenham Hotspur, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin's injury woes are not letting up either, which should see Frank Lampard's side dip into their war chest.

Strasbourg talisman Ludovic Ajorque has been strongly linked with a move to Goodison Park, and according to Foot Mercato, Everton are now making progress in negotiations.

The report claims that the 6ft 5in Frenchman could arrive at Merseyside on an initial loan deal with an option to buy set at €18m (£15.2m).

Ajorque formed a strong partnership with Habib Diallo in the 2021-22 Ligue 1 season, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists as Strasbourg just missed out on a place in Europe.

From one half of Merseyside to the other, and 21-year-old Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes has publicly announced his desire to sign for Liverpool one day.

The former Brazil Under-20 international - who primarily plays as a number six - has risen through the youth ranks at Flamengo to score two goals and set up three more in 96 games for the club.

Gomes recently conducted a question-and-answer session on Instagram, during which he revealed his dream to don the red shirt of Liverpool and play in the Champions League.

"Liverpool are a team I'd play for. I have the greatest desire to play. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and that of my family, my biggest dream in football," Gomes responded.

Liverpool currently have Curtis Jones, Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Thiago Alcantara out injured but are not expected to sign a new midfielder before the September deadline.

Back at Goodison Park, Everton are reportedly confident of sealing the marquee signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Morgan Gibbs-White.

The 22-year-old is out of contract at Molineux in under two years' time and was sent out on loan to Sheffield United last season after failing to break into the Wolves XI.

Gibbs-White produced 11 goals and nine assists in 35 Championship outings for the Blades and has also started both of Wolves' opening Premier League fixtures against Leeds United and Fulham this season.

According to Football Insider, Everton are growing increasingly optimistic about their chances of a deal for Gibbs-White, despite seeing an initial £22.5m bid turned down by Wolves.

Nottingham Forest are also set to rival Everton for the signature of the former England Under-21 international, who Bruno Lage still hopes to keep at Molineux.