But what if a late door has just opened up for their long-time No.1 target, Alexander Isak? Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe was ambiguous when asked about the striker following a pre-season friendly against Celtic, hinting that Isak’s head wasn’t in the right place following speculation surrounding his future.

Isak has attracted interest from Liverpool but Elanga did not want to be drawn into where his friend's future may lie.

Liverpool's interest in Alexander Isak was - or rather is - entirely genuine. Newcastle United, at least publicly, have maintained that the 25-year-old Sweden international simply is not for sale. But when the Reds stepped up their efforts to land the striker earlier this week, it suggested they had had some private encouragement to the contrary.

Liverpool have learned a blockbuster move for Alexander Isak is still ON, thanks to Newcastle's owners, with Fabrizio Romano sharing the player's thoughts.