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.

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.

An enlightening investigation of how Premier League clubs are spending more on younger players plus Isak sets tongues wagging

The Magpies are said to have slapped a £150 million valuation on their prized forward, a figure that would certainly cause even the Premier League’s elite to pause. Yet Liverpool, fresh from acquiring Hugo Ekitike — once a Newcastle target himself — are believed to still be monitoring Isak closely.

As Newcastle United prepare for a preseason tour in Asia, where they'll face the K-League All-Stars and Tottenham, they may also need to begin to prepare for life without their star striker, Alexander Isak.

An enlightening investigation of how Premier League clubs are spending more on younger players plus Isak sets tongues wagging

Alexander Isak has donned the No 14 at Newcastle and is considering a move away but that number is occupied at Liverpool - unless the pieces fall into place for it to become vacant

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?

Liverpool are reportedly preparing a massive bid to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United this summer. The Reds have already spent over £300m on seven new players, including big-money signings such as Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong, and are looking for further additions.