Key decision-makers at Newcastle, including chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and co-owner Jamie Reuben, are firm in their message that Isak will not be sold this summer. The belief is that once the window closes, calm will return, and Newcastle will then table a contract that will make him the club’s highest earner.

The player in red with an illustrious number printed on his back is Fernando Torres; the last classic Liverpool No 9 brought to the club to score goals, and to prove an unqualified successful signing.

Liverpool tried to sign Anthony Gordon, 24, last summer when Newcastle were in financial trouble.