After news came to the fore earlier this week of Liverpool's interest in Dominik Szoboszlai, it brought to an end rumours linking him with a move to Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
Jurgen Klopp and his team may have been pipped at the post for a spot in next season's Champions League by the Magpies, however The Athletic are reporting they are now out of the race for Szoboszlai.
The 22-year-old Hungary captain was being eyed as the next step in the North East club's evolution, offering quality in both midfield and attacking positions, however this versatility is also what has attracted the Reds.
RB Leipzig had also been making preparations for his departure after two-and-a-half years in the Bundesliga, signing Nicolas Seiwald and Christoph Baumgartner, while also tying down Dani Olmo to a new contract.
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And so, when it came down to a straight stand-off to win the midfielder's favour, despite the Saudi-backed riches and Champions League football Eddie Howe could offer Szoboszlai, there are two major reasons that forced them to relinquish control to Anfield chiefs.
Firstly, the price tag made it an uphill struggle for Newcastle to work within their budget. They have already committed to signing AC Milan's Sandro Tonali for a reported £60m fee plus add-ons, and would require the same again to activate the reported release clause.
With this reportedly due to expire though, could the Magpies not negotiate a lower fee? Well, the second factor in negotiations is what well and truly scuppered their transfer plans, even if they did submit a lower offer to Leipzig.
This would be Szoboszlai's strong admiration of Liverpool's manager - something that has been public knowledge for some time.
In the past he has said: "I really like Klopp. The way he can inspire his players is unbelievable.
"Even when they have nothing, they can stand up and his players can achieve anything. For me, he is the best manager in the world.”
As a result, Newcastle will have to find other targets as they prepare for their first European campaign in 20 years. Meanwhile it remains interesting to see if Liverpool, should they bolster their ranks with Szobozslai, go on to add any more signings to the list before the Premier League returns.
