Liverpool have three weeks in which to get a massive deal for Alexander Isak across the line.
The Reds have been embroiled in a battle of wills against Newcastle as they try and take their star man to Merseyside.
There have been plenty of twists and turns along the way, with Isak slowly burning bridge after bridge up in the north east.
The Swede clearly wants to join Liverpool, but with Newcastle yet to find a suitable replacement, they are continuing to dig their heels in.
On Saturday, reports surfaced that Newcastle have told Isak he will not be leaving, even if they do bring in a new striker in the transfer market.
But according to former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant, the Reds’ next move is sure to test the Magpies’ stance.
Alexander Isak gestures to the crowd at St James' Park during Newcastle United's Premier League match against Everton.
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool readying second bid for Alexander Isak
One of the biggest moments of this transfer saga was when Liverpool saw a £110m bid rejected for Isak last weekend.
Immediately, there were suggestions that Liverpool will not make a second offer for the 25-year-old in the remainder of the summer window.
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But according to Pennant, there is no chance the Reds do not come back with more money on the table.
“There’s two reasons why it’s going to happen, as in why a bid will go in,” the former winger told TalkSPORT.
READ MORE: It’s clear why Newcastle are really delaying Alexander Isak joining Liverpool
“Not only have they now lost Luis Diaz, they’ve also lost Nunez and we know sadly they’ve lost Diogo Jota. That’s three potential number nine players who play in that position. So, losing them, yes they’ve got Ekitike, but that’s just one.
“If you’re going into the season as favourites you need good strength in depth,” Pennant added. “So, they will be getting a replacement in that position, number nine.
“If you’re going in with £110m, you’re not going to not go in with £120m, £130m, especially with the selling of Nunez.”
Fabrizio Romano provides new Isak update
The suggestion that Newcastle have put their foot down and told Isak he will not be going anywhere may have set alarm bells ringing at Anfield.
But manager Eddie Howe appeared to deny those claims on Saturday evening, and later in the day, journalist Fabrizio Romano also confirmed that was not the case.
“Over the morning we had some news saying that Newcastle communicated to Alexander Isak that he’s not going to be sold this summer. I’m not aware of that, and also Eddie Howe said he’s not aware of that,” Romano told his YouTube channel.
“Isak wants to go to Liverpool, he maintains his position. He doesn’t want to extend his contract, he wants Liverpool move and Liverpool want Isak. It remains absolutely on, absolutely concrete and absolutely likely. Newcastle have not closed the doors on Isak’s move to Liverpool.”
With Pennant adamant that the Reds will come back with a second offer, we could see some movement on this one in the coming week.