Newcastle United and Liverpool cannot seem disentangle themselves from each other right now.
The latest chapter in this Tyneside vs, Merseyside rivalry saw Arne Slot's defending Premier League champions edge out a thrilling 3-2 draw at St. James' Park on August 25.
The ten-man Magpies had dragged themselves level at 2-2 heading into 11 minutes of added time before Reds substitute Rio Ngumoha came off the bench to smash home an incredible winner.
The 16-year-old became an instant hero and Liverpool's youngest-ever goalscorer with another blow dealt to Newcastle following a frustrating summer for Eddie Howe.
Alexander Isak remains in exile, after confirming his determination to leave the club, following the latest round of talks over his future with the Newcastle hierarchy.
The Sweden international is at the centre of a transfer storm, after refusing to travel on Newcastle's preseason tour, as he looks to force through a move to Liverpool.
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The Reds have seen a £110m offer rejected at the start of August, and despite rumours they will increase that to around £120m, an updated bid has not been received.
Newcastle appear ready to stand their ground over a £150m demand, and keep Isak at the club, with both teams working on contingency plans.
Liverpool & Newcastle eye Serie A star as Isak alternative
Liverpool have spent around £291m so far this summer, including a Premier League transfer record deal for Florian Wirtz, plus £69m paid out on Hugo Ekitike.
The deal for Ekitike was an earlier skirmish between the clubs, with Howe admitting he was unable to convince Frenchman over a move to Newcastle, prior to Liverpool's offer.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt man has impressed so far, with three goals in his first three games, but Slot still wants another striker before the September 1 deadline.
Isak remains his No.1 target, but the Dutch coach is reportedly eyeing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, as per Teamtalk.com.
The Serbian forward is keen to leave Turin, with his contract expiring next season, and Juventus are open to a £25m deal to remove concerns over a 2026 free transfer exit.
However, the report states, a deal for Vlahovic is also on Newcastle's radar - with both sides able to match his £150,000 per week wages.
Newcastle are desperately short on forwards, even if Isak does stay, following the departure of Callum Wilson and their struggles to bring in several targets including Yoane Wissa and Jorgen Strand Larsen.
In an odd twist, Isak could decide Vlahovic's fate, with the same clubs interested in both as the transfer clocks ticks down.
Alexander Isak news and related links
- Alexander Isak to Liverpool latest: Striker goes public with criticism, Newcastle respond
- Wayne Rooney claims there's 'no way back' for Isak at Newcastle
- Newcastle United step up interest in Premier League star to replace Alexander Isak