With Liverpool wrapping up a deal for Ekitiké worth a reported €95 million (£82.3 million, $110.5 million), the Reds appear to be out of the race for Isak this summer, while Newcastle’s mammoth price tag of at least £120 million ($161 million) drastically limits the number of teams capable of funding such a deal.

Former Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew thinks Alexander Isak has had his head turned following transfer interest from Liverpool

Newcastle star Alexander Isak missed the club's pre-season clash at the weekend after a week of talk linking him with Liverpool as Eddie Howe played down his absence