Liverpool are reported to have been turned down by Newcastle in their first attempt to sign Alexander Isak. An official approach fell short of the Geordies’ valuation - and Eddie Howe has been

No formal contact has been made between Newcastle and Liverpool, who saw an earlier informal approach for Isak swiftly rebuffed and pivoted to sign Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt. The Reds are prepared to lodge a record-breaking bid if Newcastle indicate any willingness to get a deal done.