Isak poised for transfer as European soccer’s deadline day heats up

The European soccer transfer window was set to close on Monday with much of the spotlight on the Premier League, where Alexander Isak and Gianluigi Donnarumma were linked with high-profile deadline-day moves.

England’s top-flight clubs have already spent a record £2.7 billion ($3.65 billion) this summer, and the figure could rise if Liverpool finalizes its reported £125 million ($170 million) deal for Newcastle striker Isak, which would set a new British transfer record. Media said Isak was due for a medical, though neither club has confirmed.

Liverpool has already invested nearly £300 million ($400 million) to overhaul its squad, bringing in Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, among others.

Meanwhile, reports suggested PSG goalkeeper Donnarumma could join Manchester City as a possible successor to Ederson, while Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez was also linked with an exit after missing the weekend squad. Villa signed defender Victor Lindelof earlier in the window.

Newcastle, preparing for Isak’s potential departure, signed Germany striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart for a club-record £69 million ($93 million) and may also move for Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.