Manager Eddie Howe and the recruitment team have already secured the signing of Swedish winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in a £55 million [$73m] deal and brought in teenage Spanish forward Antonito Cordero on a free transfer from Malaga.

Following The Athletic’s report that Liverpool have stepped up their interest in Ekitike, journalist Ben Jacobs has provided further context on the club’s stance. He claims that while Isak remains the priority, Liverpool are ready to move quickly for Ekitike should they conclude that a deal for Isak is not viable this summer.