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Newcastle United has seen a second bid for the Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen rejected as it attempts to bring in a number nine this summer.
Having already been rejected by the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and Benjamin Sesko, Norwegian forward Strand Larsen is the latest in the sights of Eddie Howe. But while another offer could be forthcoming, Wolves wants to keep its star man.
On Tuesday, Strand Larsen scored twice as Wolves knocked West Ham United out of the Carabao Cup. But as that game unfolded, Newcastle submitted an improved bid for his services, having initially made a move over the weekend.
According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies have upped their offer from $68 million (£50 million) to $74 million (£55 million). It has been reported elsewhere that $81 million (£60 million) could be enough to get the deal over the line.
Even if Newcastle signs Strand Larsen, though, that might not be enough for Alexander Isak to be allowed to leave. The Magpies might also need to sign a second forward, with Brentford's Yoane Wissa another target.
On Monday, Isak met with Newcastle's owners, who made an attempt to get him to stay. But it is thought that the player still wants to make the move to Anfield.
Howe was asked about Isak meeting with the Newcastle hierarchy after his side lost 3-2 to Liverpool earlier in the week. But he insisted that he was not privy to what had been said.
"I'm not aware of that but I've not been party to talks on this for a long time now," he explained in his post-match press conference at St James' Park.
"So, I've been preparing the team, giving all my energy to the players that want to play for Newcastle. I think that's where my energy is best.
"I'm not party to the talks that have been happening, so I've got no idea where that stands."
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The transfer window will close on Monday at 7pm UK time (2pm ET). Newcastle would be willing to offer Isak an improved contract if he stays, but the Swede wants to join Liverpool.
"From our side, we want clarity, we want to move forward," Howe added. "We want the narrative to change because we're in the start of the season now, we're into the action and we've got to get results and we've got to try and focus on what we can control.
"We've given two really, really good performances. We've ended up with one point. That's tough for us to take and especially in this moment where you are looking for positive to clinging to, but we battle through and we now go on to Leeds."
Liverpool.com says: The clock is ticking and time is running out for all the moving parts to fall into place. Newcastle has still not signed one striker, let alone two, and that is one of the conditions required for Isak to exit.
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