Craig Hope has shared a new update on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Goncalo Ramos, which could directly affect Alexander Isak and Liverpool.

The Magpies have revived their interest in Ramos as they seek a possible successor for Isak, who is eager to seal a transfer to Anfield.

In truth, Newcastle are unlikely to part ways with Isak before securing a proper replacement, and the proposed move for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa may not change that stance.

Newcastle consider Wissa more of a long-term successor to Callum Wilson, so his potential capture does not necessarily clear the way for Isak’s exit.

However, acquiring Ramos as well might hand the Sweden forward the switch he strongly desires.

That said, Hope did not seem overly convinced that a deal for the PSG attacker will realistically materialize.

While the Daily Mail reporter suggested optimism over Wissa’s signing before the window shuts, the same cannot yet be said of Ramos.

“We think that deal could move along, and they’re still searching [for another forward]. The report I broke yesterday, PSG striker Goncalo Ramos is once more under discussion.

“He was then he wasn’t — last week I was told it was off. Yesterday I heard there’s now a possibility, Newcastle have been encouraged on that front.

“But honestly, I think that’s still a tough transfer to complete. I wouldn’t count on that one, to put it bluntly.

“Yet he remains on the list, he’s certainly considered. I’ve had that confirmed, which is why I published the story last night.”

Eddie Howe has kept the possibility open for Isak to reintegrate at St James’ Park, although whether the striker accepts remains uncertain.

The Newcastle boss also admitted that the club are still active in pursuing reinforcements in the market.

“At the moment, the balance of the substitutes isn’t what we’d like,” Howe said (via BBC Radio Newcastle).

“As you point out, there are too many defenders and not enough attacking players, which we hope to address before the window closes.”

Day by day, the prospect of Newcastle selling Isak without a replacement looks increasingly unlikely. They will not be pressured into any rash move.

At the same time, it’s difficult to imagine how the Swede repairs relations now. Newcastle supporters voiced anger towards him at Villa Park, feeling betrayed this summer.

The situation is volatile, and trying to firmly predict the outcome at this stage would be unwise.