Isak is reported to have turned down the offer of a new contract at Newcastle and has not travelled with the pre-season squad after expressing an interest in leaving the club this summer. The Magpies insist his absence is due to a thigh injury.

The Reds have already invested £260m on additions this summer and recently landed Hugo Ekitike, but Isak has been deemed a dream signing for the Premier League champions and it would be difficult for them (and others) to pass up the opportunity to sign him if a deal became possible.

Lee Johnson from the Newcastle podcast True Faith says what should have been a transformative summer for the Magpies "seems to be turning into a bit of a nightmare". Eddie Howe had already said he was "frustrated" by the lack of business they have been able to do in this window,

The 25-year-old has blossomed into one of the world’s most devastating strikers during his time on Tyneside but has seemingly outgrown St James’s Park, turning down the chance to extend his contract as he weighs up a move elsewhere.

An enlightening investigation of how Premier League clubs are spending more on younger players plus Isak sets tongues wagging

Liverpool are poised to make a British record bid for Newcastle and Sweden striker Alexander Isak, 25. (Mail+ - subscription required) Bayern Munich are set to bid again for Luis Diaz and talks will continue, with Liverpool aware of the winger's desire to leave. (Fabrizio Romano)