Liverpool's pursuit of Newcastle forward Alexander Isak could accelerate dramatically in the coming days. That's if Brentford's hunt to sign Bournemouth winger Dango Ouattara sets off the domino effect some are predicting.
Arne Slot is on the hunt for attacking reinforcements following the exits of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez. Slot's side is also still dealing with the tragic death of Diogo Jota and has identified the Magpies' No. 14 as their primary target.
However, the reigning Premier League champions' initial bid for Isak, reportedly worth $163 million in total, was firmly turned down by Newcastle. The Magpies had initially said Isak would not be sold this summer, though Liverpool's top target is still training alone and on the fringes of Eddie Howe's squad.
The Sweden international has three years remaining on his current contract, meaning the Magpies have no immediate need to sell. However, the situation has become more complicated following reports Isak has gone on protest and is adamant he has played his last game for the club.
Isak pulled out of the club's pre-season tour of the Far East due to a muscle injury. But the Liverpool Echo has reported the forward might be allowed to depart if Newcastle can secure a couple of adequate replacements and their $203M valuation is met.
So far this summer, Eddie Howe's team has been unsuccessful in its efforts to bring in a new forward. The club has missed out on targets like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and Benjamin Sesko, each of whom has headed to different Premier League destinations.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United
Isak may yet land his dream summer move to Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
As a result, Newcastle have more recently shifted their focus to Yoane Wissa. However, Brentford are reportedly unwilling to let go of the 28-year-old until they themselves could secure a replacement.
It now appears they may have done just that after agreeing a club-record deal with Bournemouth to sign Dango Ouattara. It's estimated the Bees will fork out around $58M to recruit the 23-year-old Burkina Faso international.
Should Ouattara finalise his move to the Gtech Community Stadium in the coming days, it would pave the way for Wissa to make a move to the North East. This could in turn enable Isak to realise his dream of moving to Anfield before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
There is perhaps still a shred of doubt over the matter, considering Ouattara can't be considered a like-for-like replacement for Wissa. Bournemouth's man plays mostly as a winger, while Wissa has grown accustomed to his centre-forward duties since Ivan Toney left the club last year.
Dango Ouattara of AFC Bournemouth arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and AFC Bournemouth
Dango Ouattara is reportedly close to joining Brentford from Bournemouth (Image: Dan Mullan, Getty Images)
Brentford do have other striker alternatives in their midst, however. Kevin Schade found some success operating through the middle at times last term, while Brazilian Igor Thiago is targeting a comeback after missing much of last season due to injury.
Liverpool may well be content with the idea of Ekitike leading their line after he joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in a $93M deal. The Frenchman looked promising in pre-season and scored a slick opening goal in Saturday's Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace.
However, there's no doubting the sentiment among Reds fans that Isak is the man they want spearheading the charge to another title. And Ouattara's transfer fate may just hold the keys to deciding whether that move is feasible or not.