Newcastle look set to avoid catastrophe as Liverpool are pulling out of a deal for Alexander Isak after a £110million bid was rejected on Thursday morning.
As it stands, Liverpool are said to have ‘no plans’ to bid again for the Swedish striker due to "the nature" of Newcastle's rejection, unless the Tyneside club change their stance.
The Magpies were looking for a fee in the region of £150million, smashing the British existing record of Florian Wirtz, who was also signed this summer by Liverpool.
Eddie Howe's side strongly rebuffed the original offer, being some way short of their valuation, and insisted they would not be bullied into selling their star striker without finding a replacement - something they have been finding remarkable difficult this summer.
Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike joined Liverpool last week
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With top targets Hugo Ekitike and Bryan Mbeumo choosing alternative destinations, and next target Benjamin Šeško being touted for a move to Manchester United, Newcastle had been left scrambling.
Howe was said to be turning his head towards Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, although a deal was thought to be difficult given the club's domestic rivalry in contention for European places.
However, it now appears that Arne Slot’s side are pulling out of a deal, meaning the former Borussia Dortmund forward looks set to remain at St. James’ Park.
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Alexander Isak did not join up with Eddie Howe's side for their pre-season tour in Asia
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The collapsed deal now leaves Isak and the Magpies in an awkward position, after the 25-year-old informed the club of his desire to leave and join Liverpool.
Isak also refused to travel to the club’s pre-season tour in Asia to force a move through to Anfield, despite Newcastle proposing a new contract with a 2026 release clause.
The expectation is for the Swedish international to join back up with his teammates next week, although the forward training with his old club Real Sociedad and the intense speculation surrounding his future had thrown that into doubt.
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After news that Liverpool had lodged their first formal offer for Isak, boss Howe remained defiant on his future, saying: "He is still our player. He's contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him.
"I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that's not in my full control.
"My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year."
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been left frustrated by Newcastle struggles in the transfer market this summer
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Rejecting the bid initially seemed to be delaying the inevitable, but Newcastle’s torrid summer may just have taken a turn for the better.
Newcastle’s only signing this summer so far has been Anthony Elanga, who joined in a £55million deal from Nottingham Forest last month.
However, if they were to keep Isak for another season, it would feel like a new signing with the majority of the fanbase resigned to losing their star striker.
The question had remained whether the Reds needed Isak, after signing Ekitike just last week, or if it was a case of "greed" according to some fans.
In the last two seasons, Isak has enjoyed huge success in front of goal, scoring the over 20 league goals in consecutive seasons, catapulting him as one of the most sought-after strikers in European football.
The Swedish striker scored more league goals than Erling Haaland last year, 23, firing Newcastle back into the Champions League.