Relations between Liverpool and Newcastle appear to be at an all-time low heading into Monday’s Premier League encounter.

The Reds have been pushing to sign Alexander Isak for much of the summer, with Newcastle reportedly unhappy with their conduct.

Beyond making a bid somewhat lower than their valuation of Isak – which they are fully entitled to do – it is hard to really see what Liverpool have done wrong.

Nevertheless, a quick temperature check of the Newcastle fanbase will tell you that the Anfield side are very much public enemy number one in the north east right now.

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Part of the reason for that is that Liverpool are perceived to have snatched Hugo Ekitike away from the Magpies earlier this summer.

The theory goes that had Liverpool ‘allowed’ Ekitike to join Newcastle, they would have had an easier run at Isak.

However, Liverpool have now hit back at such suggestions.

Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images

Ekitike has had a brilliant start to his Liverpool career, scoring two goals in his first two competitive matches.

Although it is clear that Arne Slot needs another forward in the Liverpool squad, the Frenchman looks like an excellent signing already.

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Obviously, Newcastle would have loved to get him as well, but according to The Athletic, there is no suggestion from Liverpool’s end that they panicked and moved for Ekitike just to stop him joining the Magpies.

In fact, they report that Liverpool have been ‘baffled’ at claims that they ‘hijacked’ a move for the 23-year-old.

READ MORE: Simon Jordan shares what he hopes will happen with Alexander Isak amid Liverpool interest

The Reds are said to have been in talks with Ekitike over a move since January, long before Newcastle’s late interest re-emerged.

Slot himself is also claimed to have spoken personally with the former Eintracht Frankfurt player in May, before signing him in July.

The basis of the irritation from Newcastle fans over Ekitike is that Liverpool did something irrational in order to block them signing the player.

But it does not take much to show this theory for what it is: codswallop.

Tragically, Liverpool found themselves in a position where they needed to sign two centre-forwards this summer.

It may have initially been that Ekitike was the back-up to Isak if Newcastle played hardball over the Swedish striker.

But once Diogo Jota passed away, the Reds sadly had to pivot.

Had Liverpool allowed the Magpies a free run at Ekitike, with no guarantee they would sell Isak as a result of buying the former PSG man, they could have ended up empty handed.

Whatever way you look at it, Ekitike is a Liverpool player, and a very good one at that.
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