Liverpool claim they are willing to walk away from a move for striker Alexander Isak after Newcastle United rejected their opening offer.
The Magpies, who value the Sweden international at about £150m, turned down a bid of £110m from the Premier League champions.
BBC Sport understands Liverpool do not think a deal for Isak is achievable this summer as it stands.
It is unclear whether this is a negotiating tactic and if Liverpool will maintain that stance.
The 25-year-old was left out of the Newcastle squad for their pre-season tour of Asia with a “minor thigh injury”, according to the club, while he wants to explore a move away despite the Magpies qualifying for this season’s Champions League.
The bid from Liverpool was lodged while Isak trains alone at former club Real Sociedad, amid continued uncertainty around his future.
He joined Newcastle in a £60m move from La Liga side Real Sociedad in 2022.
