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Newcastle had initially planned to pair Ekitike with Isak, but now face the possibility of being left without either forward as Liverpool also keep tabs on the Swedish player.

Isak made headlines earlier this week when he announced on Instagram, just moments after being named in the PFA's Team of the Year for last season, that his time with the Magpies was over, blaming unfulfilled promises behind the scenes.

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While disgruntled Newcastle fans have recently suggested that the Reds might have already signed Isak had they not moved for Magpies target Ekitike, Liverpool did not actually swoop in to steal the forward's signature.

It's understood that the Reds initially made advances over Ekitike back in January as Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes began to gently plan how their forward line might look for the campaign ahead.

The Dutchman spoke to the Frenchman at the end of last season and sold him the vision for how he would fit in when leading the Liverpool line.

Already equipped with all the data, scouting reports and character references needed to pursue the deal, the Reds were then able to act swiftly to conclude a deal after Newcastle's own initial bid was rejected.

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Liverpool is still pursuing a deal for Newcastle's Alexander Isak.

Ekitike has enjoyed a strong start to his Liverpool career, following up a debut goal in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace with a goal and assist on his Premier League and Anfield debut against AFC Bournemouth.

And Howe has expressed his admiration for the Reds forward after missing out on his signature

I think he has a load of qualities that will serve him really well in the Premier League.

"Our job will be to keep him quiet and to try and control him, but certainly he is going to be a threat this year."

With Isak inevitably becoming the main talking point during Howe's press conference before Liverpool's visit, the Reds' journey to Newcastle will serve as another painful reminder of the messy transfer saga on Monday evening.

However, despite confirmation that the Swedish striker won't feature against Liverpool, Ekitike's expected role in attack for the Reds will only add insult to injury for the Magpies.

Just six weeks earlier, Newcastle's hierarchy were still fantasising about pairing Isak and Ekitike together in their forward line.

With barely more than a week remaining before the transfer window shuts, the duo might yet become teammates - though at Anfield rather than St
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