Alexander Isak is set on leaving Newcastle United to join Liverpool before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
According to BBC Sport, the Sweden striker’s ambition is to sign for the Premier League champions this summer.
Newcastle rejected a £110million bid from Liverpool for Isak on August 1. Following the rejection, Liverpool indicated they were prepared to walk away from the deal.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe commented after a pre-season friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid that “everything is in play” regarding Isak’s future but emphasised it was “clear” the striker is not part of his current plans.
As a result, Isak is expected to miss Newcastle’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The former Dortmund forward missed Newcastle’s pre-season tour of the Far East due to a minor thigh injury.
He subsequently trained alone at his former club Real Sociedad before returning to the UK last week.
Isak scored 27 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions last season and has three years remaining on his Newcastle contract.
Newcastle’s attempts to sign new strikers this summer have been unsuccessful, with targets such as Liam Delap, Benjamin Sesko, and Hugo Ekitike all opting for other clubs – Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool respectively.
Interest remains in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, who left the Bees’ pre-season camp in Portugal in July to pursue a move to Newcastle.
The 28-year-old returned to first-team training last week after constructive talks with head coach Keith Andrews but still hopes for a transfer if a fee can be agreed.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are close to signing AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw.
The centre-back is due to fly to Tyneside on Sunday night to complete his £34.62million move to St James’ Park.
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