Alexander Isak is now one of the most sought-after players of the summer. While Newcastle is eager to keep their star striker, both Liverpool and Al Hilal are ready to break transfer records to sign him.

Bayern can sit and wait for Liverpool to lower their price, perhaps growing increasingly desperate for cash to fund a move for Isak. In turn, Liverpool have suffered a blow in hopes of receiving their full asking price of £80m and the knock-on effects could spill into the Isak contract stand-off saga.

The Sweden international failed to report for preseason duty on the Asian tour - nursing a minor thigh injury instead. Liverpool quickly emerged as frontrunners for the 25-year-old - despite already signing Newcastle’s preferred Isak replacement in Ekitike.