Newcastle United and Liverpool are ready for two huge battles in the coming days on and off the field.
Arne Slot's Premier League champions head to St. James' Park tonight for a crucial showdown on Tyneside with only one subject on the minds of both sets of fans.
Alexander Isak will not play for Newcastle against the Reds as the Sweden international remains unavailable for selection as he pushes to leave the club before the September 1 transfer deadline.
The exit saga has dominated the start of Newcastle's season with the latest chapter featuring Isak's furious response over alleged 'broken promises' by the club on his ability to leave.
Newcastle have rejected all claims of Isak being informed he could move on, with his current Magpies contract running until 2028, and the club valuing him at £150m.
Liverpool saw a £110m offer rejected earlier this month, but they are considering a second offer, which would see Slot break the Premier League transfer record for the second time this summer after landing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.
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Time is running out on both sides, with Newcastle considering a host of replacement options, but the next move will be Liverpool's.
When will Liverpool bid for Isak?
As per reports from The I, Liverpool are willing to make a final bid for Isak, after their trip to St. James' - but it will be a 'take-it-or-leave-it' offer.
The bid could land on Tuesday, August 26. but it is not expected to exceed £120m, which falls short of Newcastle's demands.
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Liverpool allow a few days for the offer to be assessed by Newcastle's hierarchy, but they are prepared to walk away, and wait until 2026.
The latest indication is of Newcastle being ready to start September with Isak back in the squad, but his readjustment will be a real test for Eddie Howe, even if more new faces are secured in the final days of the window.
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