Liverpool have been given a glowing report on Alexander Isak's prowess from his Newcastle United teammate Bruno Guimaraes.
The Swedish forward remains a hot topic for a potential switch to Anfield, especially after the Reds had a hefty $146.44million offer turned down last week.
However, according to the ECHO, Newcastle would need to considerably relax their position before Liverpool consider approaching with another bid for Isak. Any developments hinge on Newcastle finding a suitable successor for their star man, who turned down a contract extension with a release clause.
RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, and Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson are among those rumoured to be in the frame to fill Isak's boots at St James' Park.
But filling Isak's shoes will be no easy feat, as Guimaraes has made abundantly clear, lavishing praise on the 25-year-old ahead of last season's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
It was a match where Isak found the net, helping the Magpies clinch their first significant silverware in over half a century.
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United applauds supporters
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United applauds supporters (Image: Getty Images)
"For me, he's the best striker around," he declared via Sportsmax. "Nobody is performing better than him. We are lucky to have him and I hope he can keep it going."
With Newcastle's squad expected back from their pre-season tour of Asia early this week, and Isak already in the UK after jetting off to Spain to utilise his old club Real Sociedad's training facilities, the next few days could be crucial in shaping the decisions of both the club and the player.
Newcastle manager Howe has delivered a firm warning to the forward, asserting that he must prove his worth to train alongside his teammates. "We are Newcastle United," he declared to Mail Sport.
Liverpool has had a bid for Alexander Isak turned down
Liverpool has had a bid for Alexander Isak turned down (Image: Getty Images)
"The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad - you have to act in the right way. So that is also at play here. We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal."
With the Premier League season less than two weeks away, Liverpool will continue their preparations with a double header against Spanish side Athletic Bilbao at Anfield.
Arne Slot's men will play a first game, which kicks off at 12 p.m. ET, followed by a second game starting at 3 p.m. ET.
It's the first time that the Premier League champions have played at Anfield since the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota last month. Tributes are expected at Anfield to honor their former player, who had his No. 20 retired by the club.