Newcastle had wanted to partner Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in attack, but have ended their interest in the Frenchman who now looks set to join Liverpool

The Reds are recruiting from a position of strength having secured the Premier League title last season but know they must spend big to acquire their long-term No.9. They have whittled their search down to two players: Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

Liverpool have made an approach to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. The Merseyside club say no formal offer has been submitted as they are well aware Newcastle’s stance has always been that Isak is not for sale. However, they have communicated their interest to do a deal in the region of £120million.