Just because Liverpool could most likely afford Alexander Isak this summer, doesn’t mean they will sign the Newcastle star. After all, they have just recruited an exciting, young centre-forward who shares similar characteristics with the Swede, and a fee of £120–150 million could still dissuade them from pursuing a deal.

Alexander Isak has told Newcastle United he wants to explore a move away from the club with Liverpool waiting in the wings.

The Reds have got no money and we’re gonna win the league’ was the chant when Liverpool went 2-0 up against Newcastle in February. Ironically, five months later, Arne

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.

Newcastle are exploring a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in case Alexander Isak leaves this summer - as BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel reports – but is he the man to fill the Sweden international's sizeable shoes on Tyneside?

Then there are Isak’s wages. His exact demands are unknown but given his status as one of the world’s leading players a range of £250,000 to £300,000 a week is far from unreasonable. At that level, the hit to a club would be £15m-£18m annually.

However, with Isak actively pushing for an exit, a summer move has become a possibility. Liverpool expressed their interest in doing a deal in the region of £120 million for Isak. But with Newcastle adamant the player was not for sale,

Plus: Arsenal are aiming to move swiftly to secure Crystal Palaces Eberechi Eze; Man Utd have had a loan bid rejected for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez; West Hams Lucas Paqueta is set to be cleared of charges of spot-fixing;