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.

Wayne Rooney had tipped Liverpool to claim the Premier League regardless of whether they sign Alexander Isak - but believes they would go to another level with the Newcastle striker

F ormer Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce has shared his feelings towards Alexander Isak and his ongoing transfer stand-off against the club. Isak has appeared determined to quit Newcastle this summer. He has not gone as far as making a formal transfer request but intends to not play for Eddie Howe's team again.