The Reds are recruiting from a position of strength having secured the Premier League title last season but know they must spend big to acquire their long-term No.9. They have whittled their search down to two players: Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

Talismanic striker Alexander Isak was nowhere to be seen as the Premier League side's starting XI and substitutes were announced prior to the game. Isak's name has flooded the back pages over the past week following reported interest from Liverpool.

The Reds have been encouraged a blockbuster move for Isak is still ON, thanks to Newcastle's owners, while Fabrizio Romano has revealed the player's thoughts on a prospective transfer

The hottest commodity in the summer of 2025’s transfer window is the goalscoring striker. Not an unusual state of affairs though in recent years, attacking full-backs, commanding centre-backs and wide forwards have been must-haves item on sporting directors’ shopping lists.