Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed that Luis Díaz missed the friendly with AC Milan due to ongoing speculation linking him with a transfer.

Alexander Isak is now one of the most sought-after players of the summer. While Newcastle is eager to keep their star striker, both Liverpool and Al Hilal are ready to break transfer records to sign him.

Newcastle United have endured a frustrating start to the summer transfer window with just Anthony Elanga joining the club. They have seen interest in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, James Trafford and Hugo Ekitike end in disappointment with all six players moving elsewhere to Premier League rivals.

Despite having spent over a quarter of a billion pounds, Liverpool are still reportedly in the hunt for Sweden and Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who could command a staggering £150m fee.

Liverpool's big-money investment on transfers this summer is the result of long-term planning, club CEO Billy Hogan said.

Liverpool and Chelsea are carrying the brunt of the load, with the Blues the league’s highest spenders before an agreement is struck for Ekitiké. The world champions, according to Transfermarkt, have splashed out £211 million ($283 million) and have been heavily reimbursed via their work in the United States this summer.

If any club has the funds to pull off this deal, it is Al Hilal. Not only are they one of the four clubs owned by Saudi Arabia’s Private Investment Fund (PIF), but they also benefit from the support of billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who can help underwrite exceptional deals such as this one.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes would love to bring Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with Rodrygo the second-choice target.