Liverpool’s cautious approach in the market is becoming clearer by the day.

The club’s recent move to quietly sound out Newcastle United about Alexander Isak wasn’t an impulsive gesture.

Instead, it was the latest step in a calculated strategy designed to prepare for every possible outcome.

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While Newcastle have consistently claimed they don’t want to sell their star striker, sources close to the situation say their position may have softened in recent weeks.

The Magpies have gone from issuing hardline denials to privately fearing an official bid, especially with Financial Fair Play pressure intensifying.

The relationship between Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has also smoothed the way for exploratory conversations, even if no formal offers have been lodged yet.

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This is where Liverpool’s transfer plan grows more layered.

The Reds have long tracked Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike as a potential solution if they can’t prise Isak away.

But Ekitike’s future could also dictate whether Liverpool move for Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon instead.

If Newcastle succeed in landing Ekitike, they may have little choice but to sacrifice a major asset to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

That could open the door for Liverpool to swoop for Isak or Gordon, depending on who Newcastle decide to cash in on.

However, Newcastle are determined to try and keep Isak as a key partner for Ekitike in their frontline.

If financial constraints force their hand, Liverpool may finally get the green light to bid for Isak or turn their focus to Gordon.

And if Newcastle’s pursuit of Ekitike collapses, Liverpool could simply accelerate plans to bring the striker to Anfield instead.

Either way, the futures of all three players are tightly connected.

Liverpool are making sure they are ready to act the moment Newcastle’s intentions become impossible to hide.

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