Liverpool are desperate to add a new No.9 to their squad ahead of the new season, but will have to look elsewhere now that Alexander Isak no longer seems to be an option

Newcastle must stand firm and rebuff Liverpool's effort to sign Alexander Isak for the good of the Premier League. We’ve already lived through the dull years when Manchester City steamrolled their way to title after title, barely breaking a sweat. Nobody could lay a glove on them.

Newcastle want Ekitike. Liverpool want Isak. Is there a world in which selling one and bringing in the other makes sense for Eddie Howe?

Newcastle United frontman Alexander Isak's future remains up in the air as they battle Liverpool for another striker.

Liverpool are willing to go all out to sign Alexander Isak, with a juicy offer being prepared for Newcastle, and the striker's stance on a move emerging

Newcastle's interest in Hugo Ekitike dates back to at least January 2022, when he rejected a move from Reims. Newcastle tried again that summer but eventually bought Alexander Isak - and the question now is what bringing in Ekitike would mean for the Magpies' current club record signing.

Liverpool have reportedly opened talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over the signing of Hugo Ekitike - one day after the club rejected the Reds' Premier League rivals Newcastle's offer of €80million (£70m).