Alexander Isak has returned to Newcastle amid interest from Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool’s admiration for Alexander Isak has been clear for some time but there still feels a long way to go before we see the Swede running out in the Reds' new Adidas offering.
[Newcastle United](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/newcastle-united-fc) have already batted away one underwhelming offer for the striker's services and with the Magpies now back on Tyneside and preparing for the return of Premier League football, Isak is expected to be back in the fold at least until an improved is launched - if Liverpool decide to return to the table at all.
Eddie Howe wants at least one elite striker in his ranks for the curtain raiser with Aston Villa and beyond. As it stands, that could be Isak, it could be Benjamin Sesko or it could be another top talent from the continent.
On Merseyside, however, Arne Slot's attacking options look a little more set in stone after early business and some impressive pre-season performances.
The main question in the north west, at present however, revolves around Darwin Nunez, Liverpool’s £85m man.
The Uruguayan has endured an inconsistent spell in England and remains a divisive figure among the Anfield faithful. Nunez still enjoys backing from sections of the club’s hierarchy but there is a growing sense Slot wants a more tactically flexible and technically polished No.9 to lead his line.
That, in part, explains the interest in Isak — whose intelligent movement and link-up play mirror the kind of centre-forward that thrives in Slot’s system.
Interest has emerged in Nunez's signature, with clubs in Saudi Arabia expressing an interest. Liverpool are open to a big-money sale in the hope they can recoup a big chunk - if not all - of his initial fee.
Should Nunez depart then it is highly likely an improved offer for Isak will be sent Newcastle's way.
Meanwhile, one attacker who will certainly be part of Slot's squad for the coming season is Rio Ngumoha. The 16-year-old former Chelsea starlet has impressed staff at Kirkby since his arrival and has taken his chance with both hands in recent weeks.
Slot has already integrated the youngster into first-team training sessions and Ngumoha has not looked out of place during non-competitive matches in the senior side of late.
The teenager scored and helped himself to an assist in a five-minute period as Liverpool faced Athletic Bilbao at Anfield over the weekend.
Ngumoha's rapid rise essentially means Liverpool are unlikely to replace Luis Diaz this summer after pocketing £65m for the south American winger.
More money in the pot for an Isak swoop? Quite possibly.
The main man to watch, however, is Nunez as Slot and his recruitment team ponder one last dip into the market for yet another top attacking talent. Newcastle's openness to a sale will depend on whether they can successfully find an Isak replacement in the coming days.