Eddie Howe’s latest comments on Alexander Isak will come as a huge encouragement to Liverpool in their pursuit of the Newcastle United striker.

Just because Liverpool could most likely afford Alexander Isak this summer, doesn’t mean they will sign the Newcastle star. After all, they have just recruited an exciting, young centre-forward who shares similar characteristics with the Swede, and a fee of £120–150 million could still dissuade them from pursuing a deal.

Newcastle are reportedly determined to sign Yoane Wissa amid Alexander Isak transfer saga despite Brentford's hardline stance on exit. The Magpies view Wissa as a crucial addition to their frontline and are reportedly willing to return with an improved offer after seeing an initial £25 million bid turned down by Brentford.

Viktor Gyokeres' transfer to Arsenal is expected to be completed this weekend, with the striker due to have his medical - but Alexander Isak saga looks set to rumble on

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak faces an uncertain future at St James' Park amid links with Liverpool while the Magpies are said to be interested in RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko

These factors mean that Isak’s value — around £100m, by consensus — might be affordable to some clubs. But the transfer landscape and Newcastle’s resolve means that his price — possibly over £150m — is borderline unreachable. Whether Liverpool or anyone else could and would be prepared to go that high remains unclear.