The “growing belief in football circles” that Liverpool will land Alexander Isak “doesn’t hold huge weight”, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

Liverpool submitted a £110m proposal earlier this summer after Isak made it clear to Newcastle he wanted to quit St James’ Park before the transfer deadline.

Isak even released a statement aimed at pressuring the Magpies into sanctioning a switch to Anfield, but Newcastle are waiting until the right conditions arise before approving any sale.

Nick Woltemade’s arrival from Stuttgart was seen as one of three ‘dominoes’ that had to fall before Liverpool could recruit Isak, with another forward still expected.

After that, both clubs would still need to settle on terms, which Ornstein feels could prove difficult given the significant gulf in their respective valuations.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Ornstein explained: “I don’t think Liverpool are really pushing hard right now on the Alexander Isak situation because they felt the £110m bid was pretty much their ceiling. We know in the past they’d been open to something around £120m.

“So of course, there’s flexibility on their side, but I don’t think they’ll want to move far beyond that. Newcastle have been consistent in saying they won’t sell this summer and would only consider something closer to £150m.

“Let’s see if that ends up being the case before the deadline. Maybe they stick firmly to their stance or perhaps both sides find a middle ground.

“I’m not convinced by talk of fresh offers. Liverpool might just sit tight and wait to see if Newcastle change their position because #NUFC have already spent heavily.

“It’s obvious he’s determined to secure this Liverpool transfer and seems convinced it will happen before the window closes. The feeling across the game is increasingly that it will go through, but that doesn’t guarantee much.”

Swedish television fuelled rumours earlier this week by suggesting Isak had already given an ‘emotional goodbye’ to his Newcastle teammates ahead of a likely Liverpool switch.

When questioned about offensive chants towards Isak from Newcastle fans during their 0-0 draw with Leeds on Saturday, Eddie Howe replied: “I didn’t hear anything. My attention was on the match, so I wasn’t aware of that. I understand the emotions involved.

“I said the same thing after Aston Villa — it’s a very emotional time for everyone connected with Newcastle, so I’ve got no complaint about that.

“But is there still a way back? Yes, from my perspective. I’ve been consistent throughout this situation. As long as he remains under contract, there has to be a way back.”

Reflecting on Woltemade’s signing, Howe added: “It was hugely important for us to secure a striker. I thought we had no choice, but I’m delighted to have one with the quality he offers.

“He’s not just a tall target man, although he’ll bring that presence in the area. He’s got excellent technique, creativity, and everything we lacked today [against Leeds], I think he can deliver.

“There’ll naturally be an adaptation period to the Premier League, it’s always tough for any new arrival. But I genuinely believe he can make a real difference.

“I don’t want to pile pressure on his shoulders, but I think he’s capable of being a key player for us.”