As unlikely as it may seem, the relationships at the heart of the transfer saga that has dominated the summer can be traced all the way back to Portsmouth in the early 2000s, when Alexander Isak was just a toddler.

Eddie Howe admits that Newcastle United’s board “have a decision to make” when it comes to Alexander Isak’s future, but insists that whatever the outcome it must be in the best interests of the club.

A transfer between Liverpool and Newcastle United has happened - but it’s not Alexander Isak. Isak wants to join the Premier League champions this summer and is doing all he can to force the move, with the striker currently training alone at the Magpies’ training ground when his teammates aren’t in the building.