Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Alexander Isak is wanted by Liverpool but Newcastle United have so far resisted their overtures (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)

The new Premier League season gets under way on Friday (August 15) when defending champions Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield (8pm kick-off).

The Reds will be favourites to reclaim their crown after romping to the title last time out.

And, despite their rivals all spending heavily in the transfer market, one former top-flight striker believes Arne Slot's are just one signing away from wrapping up top spot already.

Liverpool have certainly not rested on their laurels since lifting their 20th championship, committing nearly £300m in transfer fees to sign Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giorgi Mamardashvili.

READ MORE:Arne Slot responds to Alexander Isak transfer and Liverpool centre-back questions - 'As you know'READ MORE:Arne Slot explains Mohamed Salah replacement plan after Liverpool transfer decision

They have recouped significant fees themselves, though, with the sales of Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Tyler Morton and Trent Alexander-Arnold bringing in more than £120m.

The coffers will soon be further boosted by the sale of Darwin Nunez to Al-Hilal for an initial £46.3m.

Despite the rapid rise of 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, Nunez's impending departure leaves the Reds looking light in attacking areas, especially given there is uncertainty over the future of Federico Chiesa.

Article continues below

But that would change if they land their number one transfer target Alexander Isak.

Liverpool had a £110m bid for the Newcastle United superstar rejected last week.

And Clinton Morrison believes it would be game over in title race even before a ball has been kicked if the Reds get their man.

“We can’t really say until the window’s shut," said the former Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Republic of Ireland international forward when asked about the battle for Premier League glory.

"But if Liverpool get Isak - no-one’s stopping them.

Isak, Ekitike, Wirtz, and you forget about (Mohamed) Salah - he’s still one of the best players in the world.

"Liverpool’s attack would be frightening.

They’re my favorites, but I don’t think it’ll be as easy as last season.”

Liverpool have no plans to make a second bid for Isak as things stand but they haven't ended their interest and are keeping a watchful eye on developments at Newcastle, who are desperately trying to sign at least one striker themselves.

And asked whether the 25-year-old will stay or go, Morrison said: "The longer it goes, the more I think Liverpool might get him.

“But it’s hard to know.

But maybe not - maybe Isak was always their number one.

“The window shuts September 1, so it could go down to the wire.

“If Newcastle bring in two strikers then 100% Isak will go.

That would be a British transfer record.

But it's clear that Liverpool would have to smash the record before then if they are to land Isak this month.

And Morrison said: "If Liverpool want Isak, you’re talking £120-150m.
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.