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With Newcastle standing firm on Alexander Isak, Liverpool could be forced to explore its plan B - although that could see it fighting it out with the Magpies again.

The Reds have now made an approach for Isak after months of speculation linking the striker with a move to Anfield.

Liverpool could therefore look to its plan B, with Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie claiming that the Reds will rival Newcastle for the signing of Hugo Ekitike.

Newcastle has already tried and failed in an attempt to sign Ekitike, having launched a $94M (£70M) offer on Monday.

According to Downie, the Reds are expected to go for Ekitike now that they know Isak will be staying put in the north-east.

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Liverpool.com says: Liverpool’s approach for Isak does look as though it might have borne out of Newcastle’s bid for Ekitike

With that offer having been rejected though, it does feel like the Reds are in the stronger position again.

If it’s clear that Newcastle won’t be budged on Isak, then it only makes sense for Liverpool to turn its attention to Ekitike

It might take Isak to actively express a desire to leave for the Magpies to change their stance.

And in some ways, Newcastle has already done the ground work for Liverpool with Ekitike, with the Reds now knowing what it will take to sign him
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