Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Alexander Isak and Sam McQueen

Reported Liverpool target Alexander Isak continues to draw attention, with no less than 122 scouts watching the youngster in AIK's win over Hacken, while the Reds and Leicester City are said to be keeping an eye on Southampton youngster Sam McQueen.

As reported by Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool Echo, AIK confirmed via Twitter that 122 scouts watched the Swedish side take on Hacken on Thursday, a match in which Isak played 85 minutes.

Swedish newspaper Matchdax (h/t Football Insider's Alex Stevens) previously reported the Reds also scouted Isak against IFK Gothenburg. Per the same report, AIK sporting director Bjorn Wesstrom refused to confirm or deny rumours Liverpool are already talking to the club:

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I say what I have said the entire time. I won’t comment about which clubs are interested or not in Alexander Isak. AIK Soccer communicate as usual, when there is something confirmed. I can’t confirm or deny [that talks with Liverpool took place]. As I said, we don’t comment when there is nothing to comment on.

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The 17-year-old has already bagged nine goals in 21 matches this season and has drawn rave reviews for both his current performances and incredible long-term potential. The inevitable comparisons to compatriot Zlatan Ibrahimovic are by no means far-fetched, as Isak has similar world-class upside.

Isak is blessed with incredible athleticism and physical strength, but his biggest assets are arguably his vision and instincts. Young strikers usually don't learn how to move in and around the box until they have plenty of matches under their belt, but the Swede has a natural feel for the position.

He's also a natural finisher, as you can see in the video below:

Isak is playing regular minutes with AIK, which can only boost his development, but he's clearly too talented to be playing in the Swedish league and could take a major step forward by joining a club with a respected developmental program, such as Ajax.

Ibrahimovic made a similar move in 2001, leaving boyhood club Malmo for the Dutch giants, and Ajax helped turn him into the star striker he is today.

A move to a massive club such as Liverpool may come too soon for Isak, who would likely have to spend significant time in the academy with no clear path to the starting XI, unlike at Ajax. Manager Jurgen Klopp has never been shy about using his youngsters, however, and Isak may already be good enough to be a member of the senior squad.

Elsewhere, Liverpool are linked with yet another Southampton player, as the Sun's Charlie Wyett reported McQueen could be the subject of a transfer battle between the Reds and Foxes.

Ian Walton/Getty Images

The 21-year-old has made a couple of emergency starts at left-back for the Saints due to an injury crisis, and the converted winger has more than held his own. Speaking to the Southampton Daily Echo (h/t Wyett), he's determined to fight for his spot once Ryan Bertrand and Matthew Targett return to action:

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You just have to worry about what’s right in front of you, but I would hope that I would still stay with the first team and hopefully still get some game time.

I need to try and impress as much as I can in the games that I get, so hopefully if I get any more chances I need to do my absolute best.

I need to get forward as much as I can, defend well and do the things that the manager’s asked.

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Bertrand is a full England international and one of the top left-backs in the Premier League, however―he'll play in just about every match if he's healthy.

McQueen is only just starting to emerge as a viable option at the left-back position, therefore it's doubtful clubs will entertain a move until they've seen more from him.