Despite the Reds closing in on a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, speculation around a blockbuster move for Isak refuses to die down, fueled by Howe's recent comments and actions during Newcastle's pre-season preparations.

The Reds, fresh off their Premier League title triumph under Arne Slot, have already splashed out 190 million pounds to bolster their squad with five new signings this summer. Yet, their transfer business appears far from over.

Sources confirm Liverpool have made contact with Newcastle to discuss a potential British record-breaking transfer for Isak, valued at around 150 million pounds. While no formal bid has landed, the talks have been described as civil, with Newcastle determined to keep their talisman as they gear up for a Champions League return.

The saga intensified when Isak was conspicuously absent from Newcastle's 4-0 pre-season defeat to Celtic. Howe admitted the decision to leave out the 25-year-old Swede was influenced by the swirling transfer rumors. "It was my decision," Howe said. "I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. The last thing he wanted was to be sat in the stand watching, that wasn't fair to him. But I'm confident he will be a Newcastle player."

However, Howe's confidence came with a notable caveat. "It's difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player," he added. "Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, the team."

This ambiguity has sparked fresh hope among Liverpool fans, especially as pundit Steve Nicol seized on Isak's absence as a sign of an imminent move. "If Eddie Howe is confident nothing's going to happen, he has to be playing him to get him fit for the season," Nicol told ESPN FC. "If Isak plays and gets injured, that's 150 million pounds down the drain. There's definitely something going on."

Adding fuel to the fire, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggested Isak remains open to a move. "He knows Newcastle want to keep him and offer him an important contract," Romano said on his YouTube channel. "At the same time, he knows Liverpool would offer not just big money but an ambitious project. Isak is not closing doors to this possibility."

Newcastle, meanwhile, are working to secure Isak with a new contract, aiming to boost his current 120,000-pound-a-week wages. The Magpies see the former Real Sociedad star, who scored 23 Premier League goals last season, as central to their ambitions.

Yet, their failure to sign Ekitike, who has agreed terms with Liverpool for a deal worth up to 95 million euros, may complicate their plans to bolster their attack alongside Isak.

Liverpool's interest in Isak persists despite their advanced talks for Ekitike, who has expressed a clear desire to join the Reds. The Reds' sporting director Richard Hughes, who shares a close relationship with Howe, could play a pivotal role in negotiations. However, Newcastle's firm stance and their 150 million-pound valuation make any deal a complex proposition.

As the transfer window rumbles on, all eyes are on whether Liverpool will push forward with a record-shattering bid for Isak or settle for Ekitike as their new No. 9.

With Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia looming, Howe's next move, and Isak's involvement, could provide the clearest signal yet of where this transfer saga is headed.

Jan Vreman outlines Cape Town City's promotion ambitions