Liverpool are in pursuit of a striker in the transfer market and they are starting to step up their interest.

The Reds are desperate for a new number nine and they have been rather public in their chase for one, although this approach appears to be working.

They have made it clear that Alexander Isak is the ‘dream’ signing and that he is their number one priority, if not, they will make a move for Hugo Ekitike instead.

This leaves Newcastle in a bit of a predicament as they want the Frenchman too but, of course, want to keep hold of their star man.

Fabrizio Romano shares what's expected to happen with Liverpool, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike today	Report: Liverpool now have a 'growing feeling' about Alexander Isak making a move to Anfield	Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool have now made their first move for Alexander Isak

This means the Magpies have a big decision to make and it is one they will have to decide on in the coming days, if not, then Liverpool will likely make the decision for them.

It appears as if Newcastle are waiting to understand where Isak’s head is at before jumping into a rash choice, although Fabrizio Romano has now revealed exactly what the Swede is thinking.

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If a player simply does not want to move then that is fair enough, but usually by this point, they would have probably said something.

However, throughout most of Isak’s Newcastle career, he has never really shut down any rumours of a potential exit, and he certainly hasn’t rejected Liverpool as of yet.

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And, according to Romano via his latest update, he believes that the player is not fully closed off to a switch to Anfield.

At the moment from what I’m hearing is Alexander Isak is very calm,” Romano said.

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“He knows Newcastle want to keep him, he knows very well about that, he knows Newcastle want to offer him a really important contract, but at the same time he knows Liverpool offer not just important money but also an ambitious project too.

“So, Alexander Isak is not closing doors to the possibility, and Liverpool were never going to make club-to-club contact without a feeling the player would be open to making a move.”

Richard Hughes certainly is not going into this blind and as Romano says, there is no chance he would have made an approach if he did not think there was a slight chance of landing Isak’s signature.

The next few days could be vital in this transfer story but, for now, Liverpool have to sit back and wait for discussions between Newcastle and the Swede to happen.

This situation is rather unprecedented as a lot of trust is required between Liverpool and Newcastle for both clubs to get their desired outcome, or at least the best both could get.

Liverpool have given the Magpies somewhat of an ultimatum by saying they want to sign Isak, but if not, they will go for Ekitike, who is Newcastle’s top target.

Therefore, if their stance changes and they are willing to sell Isak, the Reds should likely give them a free run at Ekitike to ensure a good relationship is maintained, offering them a ‘gentleman’s agreement.’

Of course, the Reds will need to hope Newcastle honour that and then allow them to sign Isak, highlighting just how important communication between the two will be.

However, if they are unwilling to sell, this is where Liverpool should assert their dominance and ensure they sign Ekitike, something that should not be too much of a problem as he would likely prefer to move to Anfield due to the opportunity for more trophies.
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