Liverpool are said to have reacted to Newcastle shutting the door on Isak talks by launching a bid for Ekitike, and Fabrizio Romano reports on Thursday morning that they are now ahead of the Magpies in the race to sign the French forward. The Reds expect to sign Ekitike if all hopes of an Isak deal end.

The game of cat and mouse between Liverpool and Newcastle in their respective bids to have a top quality striker leading the line next season is an unexpected treat. While Arsenal endlessly dot i’s and cross t’s to secure their own No.