Liverpool target Alexander Isak is extremely likely to leave Newcastle United if the Magpies secure a deal for Benjamin Sesko in the coming days, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.
There have been all sorts of conflicting reports flying around regarding Liverpool's move for Isak, after the Reds' first formal offer was officially submitted on Friday.
A bid in the region of £110m was swiftly rejected by Newcastle, and news soon followed that Liverpool would not make another attempt at a deal this summer, such was the firmness of Newcastle's stance.
However, things have since changed with the news that RB Leipzig star Sesko has chosen Newcastle instead of Manchester United, with reports from Slovenia on Friday evening all but confirming St James' Park will be his next destination after the Magpies submitted a bid worth €75m (£65.5m) plus €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons.
Downie: Liverpool set to make improved bid for Isak
David Ornstein revealed on Saturday that while Isak is set to return to training, Liverpool's interest remains "ongoing", and Downie has added further fuel to the fire in a YouTube video this weekend.
Speaking on his personal channel in a video detailing the latest news around Sesko, Downie commented on the Sweden star's future, and it certainly sounds like good news for those in Merseyside.
"Look, without doubt if Newcastle sign Sesko... I'm 90 per cent certain Isak leaves. So Sesko is the Isak replacement, so Newcastle are trying to get their ducks in a row."
Commenting on Isak's return to pre-season training, Sky's North East reporter added more confirmation that an exit is only a matter of time.
"Isak will meet with Eddie Howe when they return, probably get back in on Tuesday, so let's see what happens there, but obviously if Sesko comes in that will allow Isak to go and then of course Liverpool will come back with an increased bid.
"All this nonsense about that's Liverpool made their final bid (laughs), they've not made their final bid. There is four weeks of the window to go, they've bid under - well under - what Newcastle were wanting, of course they're going to come back in."
Liverpool's business this summer has been remarkable, already spending over £250m on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, but the sale of Luis Diaz and probable exit of Darwin Nunez means they are still one striker short.
How does Isak compare to strikers in Europe's top leagues? Rank last 365 days
Non penalty goals per 90 - 0.62 88th percentile
Assists per 90 - 0.20 77th percentile
Shot creating actions per 90 - 3.00 84th percentile
Pass completion - 75.3% 77th percentile
Successful take-ons per 90 - 1.37 92nd percentile
Aerial duels won per 90 - 0.85 17th percentile
Speaking about Isak ahead of his side's return from their pre-season tour in South Korea, Eddie Howe admitted the situation is complicated: "I was made aware there was a bid yesterday. That bid was turned down before I heard about it. There are people back in England dealing with the situation.
"I really don't know what is going to happen next but, from our perspective, we still support Alex in every way and my wish is still that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.
"The situation is far from ideal. It is quite complex. I think that is all I have got to say."