There was an internal acceptance on September 1, when Liverpool paid £125m for Alexander Isak, that the incoming No.9 would not hit the Anfield turf at speed. After he was left out of Newcastle's first friendly of their summer schedule - a 4-0 defeat to Celtic on July 19 - the writing appeared to be on the wall for his future on Tyneside and his departure, one which became increasingly acrimonious, was eventually confirmed in the closing hours of transfer deadline day, some 44 days later.

For the supporters of both clubs awaiting the daily updates during a summer without competitive football, that interminable period likely felt longer. This was particularly true because both Liverpool and Newcastle jetted out to the Far East for their pre-season tours, meaning updates were given at unusual times for fans in both the North West and North East.