The remainder of Liverpool’s transfer window looks likely to be, in part, dedicated to whether they can secure Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.

After months of waiting, the Reds finally made their interest in Isak known last week, approaching Newcastle to signal their intention to bid.

Since then, the Magpies have seemingly been clear that Isak is not for sale, leaving Liverpool to push ahead with, and stand on the verge of completing, a deal to sign Hugo Ekitike.

However, the feeling that this potentially record-breaking transfer saga is not yet over will not go away.

Report: French press suggest Liverpool will actually pay a lot lower than what is being reported for Ekitike	Report: Whether Hugo Ekitike will join Liverpool's pre-season tour next week as Reds jet off to Hong Kong	'At this moment': Eddie Howe shares whether Alexander Isak is likely to go on tour with Newcastle next week

Isak was left out of Newcastle’s friendly with Celtic on Saturday, leading to renewed speculation that the Swede is unhappy with his club’s stance.

And according to former Toon manager Alan Pardew, Eddie Howe and Newcastle now face a battle to get Isak – and possibly some of their other players – back onboard.

Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

Howe was relatively open with his comments after deciding not to play Isak against Celtic.

“So, Eddie made a sensible move and just took it out of the equation.

“When players want to move they make it fundamentally clear in their actions and can cause a problem.

Eddie’s trying to play it down but it won’t go away until Liverpool conduct their business.”

READ MORE: Steve Nicol explains why he’s almost certain something is still going on with Alexander Isak and Liverpool

“The other players, the senior players, usually side with the player, regardless of what the club decide to do,” Pardew continued.

“The Liverpool thing, I would suggest the other players are not that bothered.

But one day that could be them, so they want to see that the club are treating the players correctly.

I know what Newcastle fans are like, they won’t want it to happen but they’ll be slightly nervous tonight.”

Pardew’s insight is interesting here, because he clearly has vast experience of seeing this from behind the curtain.

He knows the signs to look for of when a player is attempting to force a move, and also how that ripples throughout the rest of the club.

For Isak, it is relatively clear by now that he is, at least in part, open to the idea of joining Liverpool.

As Rousing The Kop exclusively revealed late late week, Liverpool have not left the table for Isak either, so there is mutual appreciation on both sides.

However, with Newcastle standing firm, it appears it is going to take the player himself to take some action in order to open the doors.
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