Liverpool can sign Hugo Ekitike AND Alexander Isak | OneFootball

Ekitike to Liverpool feels incredibly likely

Despite the approach for Ekitike only officially happening two days ago, Liverpool are confident in their chances, since Newcastle are no longer in the running and he's our main target for the position.

Alexander Isak at Newcastle was also approached just a few days ago, but we are led to believe that he still isn't for sale after Liverpool's proposal - willing to pay a record £120m fee - was ignored.

Of course, a formal response might be published in due course, but the Magpies' silence is clear.

The Reds have embarrassed the Tyneside club throughout this process, since it was initially reported that Newcastle were looking at bringing Ekitike in to partner Isak, which is now unlikely to happen.

A bid was placed on Thursday morning for the Frenchman, but it was rejected because Frankfurt are hoping for more money, although Fabrizio Romano believes it was merely an attempt to signal intent.

So we're at a place where everyone on Liverpool's side is hopeful that we'll be able to secure a deal.

But it must be clarified that Newcastle aren't out of the woods quite yet when it comes to Isak.

Rejecting an approach from a club willing to pay £120m for him - which is what the general consensus is right now - is an incredibly bold move. It would have been a Premier League record fee.

So he will be expecting a new contract to reflect his status at the club. If he really is a priceless asset then his earnings should signify that, so Newcastle will need to cough up in order to tie him down.

And if that doesn't happen, then he will be just as likely to leave next summer or later down the line over the next few years. According to TBR Football, Liverpool have good reason to be optimistic.

In their report, Graeme Bailey said: "If Isak rejects a new deal at Newcastle, there is something there and Liverpool think that. The only real way Newcastle can put this to bed is by getting Isak to pen this new deal - while no agreement is reached, Liverpool probably won't go away."

So the idea that Ekitike and Isak could both join Liverpool - at some point in time - remains a legitimate possibility until it is formally dismissed, and the Reds' have proven they can be ambitious already throughout this transfer window. As such, nothing is off the table until a new contract arrives.