Newcastle could turn to the Liverpool star after losing out to the Reds in the race for Hugo Ekitike, with his switch to Anfield all but done, while another exciting forward is on the Magpies' list

Can they afford him? What would the deal mean for Isak? Our reporters dissect the news Newcastle are in talks to sign the French forward

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.

Newcastle United have turned to Brentford star Yoane Wissa having ended their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike. The Magpies made an opening offer of £70million for Ekitike this week, one rejected by the Bundesliga side who are demanding his release clause of £86m be met in full.

Liverpool and Newcastle remain locked in a battle for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, with the latter now having reportedly made his preference clear between the two clubs

The 6ft 3in forward is one of the quickest players in the Bundesliga, surprisingly effective in the air and could work in tandem with Isak

Confidence is growing that Newcastle can quickly wrap up the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt after sending club officials to Germany to finalise the transfer, and with David Ornstein revealing how his arrival will impact the Magpies’ side,