Liverpool have FAILED in their first official bid for Alexander Isak. A bid - reported to be in the region of £120m - was sent to Newcastle for the Swedish striker but was quickly knocked back. Isak

No formal contact has been made between Newcastle and Liverpool, who saw an earlier informal approach for Isak swiftly rebuffed and pivoted to sign Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt. The Reds are prepared to lodge a record-breaking bid if Newcastle indicate any willingness to get a deal done.

Newcastle United have endured a frustrating summer in the transfer market, with reported pursuits of multiple targets, including goalkeeper James Trafford and forward Hugo Ekitike, ending in disappointment. Trafford has joined Manchester City, while Ekitike opted for Liverpool, both in high-profile moves.