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.

Newcastle United signing Anthony Elanga has spoken about why he signed for the club and how the prospect of playing alongside Alexander Isak tempted him.

The game of cat and mouse between Liverpool and Newcastle in the Ekitike, Isak transfer saga is an unexpected treat. Here's six possible outcomes and they're all delightful.