A major update on the Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike saga involving Liverpool and Newcastle has been issued, changing the dynamics of both club's summer dealings.
Earlier this week, Fabrizio Romano reported that Premier League champions Liverpool were preparing an official approach to Newcastle over a club record bid for Isak.
The Swede, who scored 23 goals in the Premier League last season, had been identified as Liverpool's top striker target and one who would require an offer in the region of £120 million.
With Isak's situation uncertain, Newcastle had been exploring a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike, who coincidentally is being courted by Liverpool.
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But on Thursday morning, both Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein reported that the Magpies' interest in the Frenchman had faded and the deal was off.
Writing in The Athletic, Ornstein claimed that after a £69.3 million bid was knocked back, Newcastle have now turned their attentions towards Brentford forward Yoane Wissa and are expected to contact the Bees regarding a potential deal.
Wissa, a DR Congo international, scored 19 times in 35 games last season and was the subject of an unsuccessful bid from Nottingham Forest.
The latest development would indicate that Liverpool's pursuit of Isak has gone cold, particularly given talk that they have spoken to Frankfurt about bringing in Ekitike.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star has developed into one of the hottest striking properties in the world, finding the net 22 times last term.
Bryan Mbeumo's Man United situation could be key
Continuing the transfer merry-go-round, Wissa's situation could hinge on what happens with strike partner Bryan Mbeumo.
United hope to make Mbeumo their second signing of the summer but have been unsuccessful in their approach thus far, with a £60 million bid reportedly rejected.
According to The Guardian, United's efforts have "stalled" despite the former Lorient man telling the club he wishes to join.
United had been hopeful of doing a deal for £65 million but Brentford's valuation is closer to £70 million, which has been met with "resistance" by Old Trafford chiefs as they do not want to "be held to ransom".
Heading into an upcoming pre-season tour of the United States, United's only signing has been the £62.5 million capture of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and they are struggling to shift the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia.
Topics: Alexander Isak, Liverpool, Newcastle United
Josh Lawless