Liverpool star withdrawn from Reds squad just hours before Premier League opener

Liverpool will be one man down for their first Premier League match of the season as Bournemouth make the long trip to Anfield and the Reds begin their title defence under Arne Slot

Ben Doak won’t feature for Liverpool tonight as he nears a move to their opponents Bournemouth. The sides face off in the opening Premier League match of the season at Anfield.

The Cherries are closing in on a £25million deal for the Scotland international after seeing off competition from Porto and Stuttgart. Doak, 19, is keen to remain in the Premier League having spent last season on loan at Championship club Middlesbrough.

Liverpool paid £600,000 to sign the talented prospect from Celtic in 2022 with big hopes for him under Jurgen Klopp. But injuries and the quality of players in front of him have stifled his development and he will now seek regular first team football on the south coast.

The deal could trigger a chain reaction of deals with Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara poised to join Brentford for up to £42.5m. That could then see the Bees part ways with Yoane Wissa who has not been training with the club as he looks to join Newcastle.

Unfortunately for Liverpool, Wissa is not seen as a replacement for Alexander Isak by the Magpies. The Reds saw a bid knocked back for the Sweden forward who continues to train separately from Newcastle’s first team.

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Speaking in his press conference ahead of Newcastle ‘s Premier League opener against Aston Villa, Eddie Howe suggested there had been no progress in any direction over the 25-year-old’s future.

“Alex’s situation has been unchanged for a while, and that will continue to be the case,” he said. That did not prevent a barrage of questions however.

“I’ve had a great relationship with Alex,” he said. “You need that with every player. I take my part in that relationship really importantly. I have to work really closely with the player to his benefit.”

Asked if a fresh bid had been placed for Isak, Howe responded: “No, there has been no change, all my focus has been on training and Villa and the transfer front.”

Asked if the star forward could remain at St James’ Park beyond the transfer deadline, he said: “At the moment I would say yes but I’ve had no change of feeling throughout the summer. He’s contracted to us but it’s out of my hands.”

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