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Alan Shearer has already hailed the Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak as a "world-class" talent, though he is hoping that a proposed move to Liverpool doesn't happen this summer.
The forward is currently valued at an eye-watering $199 million (£150 million) by the Magpies amidst interest from the Reds, who have already had their initial offer for the player turned down. But if Benjamin Sesko gets his move from RB Leipzig to Newcastle, that could pave the way for the green light to be issued on Isak.
Liverpool has already been busy in the transfer market, having secured Florian Wirtz in a deal that might set a new British transfer record. It has also strengthened its ranks with the additions of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Slot's team had a substantial bid for Isak, amounting to $146 million (£110 million), rejected, but could return with a new bid. Liverpool is keeping tabs on Newcastle's stance before tabling a second offer.
With three years remaining on his contract, Newcastle is not budging on Isak. And after meeting with Isak in January, Tyneside legend Shearer believes the striker has untapped potential.
"He's like an assassin, the way he puts chances away, but what I really liked from talking to him is that you can tell he is still looking for ways to improve his game at the age of 25," Shearer told BBC Sport, speaking about their conversation.
"I feel that Isak has put himself into the 'world class' category now, with his performances for Newcastle over the past two seasons.
"Along with Mohamed Salah at Liverpool and Manchester City's Erling Haaland, he is one of the three standout forwards we have got in the Premier League.
"I remember talking to Isak this time last year [2023], and Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall walked in and said one of the things he could do better at was tap-ins, those kind of two or three-yard finishes where you are just in the right place at the right time.
"Isak felt the same way, and he has clearly worked on that, in terms of his positioning and where you need to be to get on the end of balls into the box. As he says himself, small details can change a lot. He feels it has got him other types of goals, as well as more goals.
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"I loved hearing about that — and all the different aspects of his game — 12 months on. You can understand why he keeps getting better and better as a player."
Isak is hoping to get his move and more developments are expected this week. The striker missed Newcastle's recent pre-season tour of Asia and commenced individual training at his former club, Real Sociedad, instead.
A key factor that could determine whether he remains or leaves St. James' Park hinges on Newcastle's success in securing a suitable replacement. RB Leipzig's Sesko is currently the front-runner, with the club putting forward a record-breaking bid for the Slovenian.
Liverpool.com says: With Wirtz and Salah teeing him up, Isak could hit another level at Liverpool if the deal goes through. If not, Hugo Ekitike looked very promising on his first Anfield appearance against Athletic Club yesterday.
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