Liverpool may have splashed out for both Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike in a massive summer transfer spree, but the club's most significant deal could still be on the horizon.
The Reds stormed to the Premier League title in Arne Slot's debut season at the helm. However, it seems that the head coach and the club's recruitment team, spearheaded by Richard Hughes, are not content to rest on their laurels.
The champions have shelled out more than $300 million on fresh talent this summer, a hefty expenditure underscored by the acquisition of Wirtz, whose move from Bayer Leverkusen could ultimately cost £116 million ($155.1 million). This would set a new British transfer record.
Yet, it's evident that Liverpool would need to shatter this record if it hopes to secure Alexander Isak this month. Last week, the Reds had a £110 million ($147.1 million) offer for Isak turned down by Newcastle.
The Swedish striker has made it clear to Newcastle that he's keen for a new challenge elsewhere, with Liverpool believed to be his top choice. Reports also suggest he has no plans to renew his contract at St. James' Park, which has three years remaining.
The 25-year-old was absent from Newcastle's tour of the Far East due to a minor injury and was instead seen training in Spain with a personal trainer. However, he has since returned to the Magpies' training ground, following a warning from manager Eddie Howe that he must "earn the right" to rejoin the first-team squad.
Liverpool currently has no intentions of making a second offer for Isak, but it hasn't ruled out its interest and is keeping tabs on the situation at Newcastle. Against this backdrop, former Magpies manager Alan Pardew has been sharing his thoughts on the matter.
"I wouldn't say it's inevitable, but it looks like Liverpool are playing the game," he commented on talkSPORT. "There are not voices coming out of Liverpool saying we're not interested, let's just park that one. It's rumbling on and it's massively unsettling for Eddie, the fan base and ownership of Newcastle.
"At some point, I would expect them to dig their heels in and say he is not going. I think that might happen, actually. My theory on this has changed. I think Newcastle are going to dig their heels in a little bit and get him back into work, get his head around it. He probably won't be there for the first two or three games but that is the route to go.
"I had it with Yohan Cabaye. Arsenal came in for him and we didn't accept the bid. He was on the verge of going on strike, he didn't want to play. This was in the January window.
"It does make it really difficult but eventually his head got around it and he was back to playing at his best. I expect Isak to do that.
"The one thing that worries me about the Isak one is the rumour that it sounds like his team or management group put it out that he went into the club last year for a new contract and it didn't happen and that's where the grievance comes. If that is what he's carrying, like 'I'm done', then they have got a problem."
The Magpies have been on the hunt to bolster their attacking options. Yet they've faced several setbacks, with Benjamin Sesko being the latest.
Despite Newcastle proposing a more lucrative deal than Manchester United to RB Leipzig, it's widely believed that the Slovenian striker favours a move to Old Trafford.