Isak to Liverpool: Transfer update, Newcastle stance and fee it will need

Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak is gathering pace, despite the Reds having already broken the British transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz, though Newcastle will not make it easy

Despite shelling out a British record transfer fee on Florian Wirtz, Liverpool have not given up hope of signing Alexander Isak. The Swede has emerged as one of the top strikers in the Premier League during his three-year spell with Newcastle.

He has banged in 62 goals in 102 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies since arriving at St James' Park. That includes surpassing the 20-goal mark in the top-flight in two successive seasons.

His 23 strikes last year were the most by a Newcastle player since Alan Shearer netted 23 in the 2001-02 campaign. Only Liverpool star and Premier League Player of the Season Mohamed Salah scored more.

His performances have helped Newcastle to qualify for the Champions League in two of the last three campaigns, as well as win this year's Carabao Cup, the club's first major trophy since 1955.

Unfortunately for Newcastle, his scoring record has also drawn the eye of a number of rival teams. Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move, though their attention appears to have turned towards Benjamin Sesko.

Liverpool have also been routinely talked about as a possible destination. And rumours of a potential move to Anfield have been gathering pace, as Mirror Football sets out below.

Transfer update

There is no doubt that a number of clubs like the Swedish striker, Liverpool among them. Arsenal too are huge fans, with Isak believed to be Mikel Arteta's No.1 choice to be the club's new No.9 - if he was available. Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Benjamin Sesko however, because, simply, they believe they can't land Isak this summer.

According to various reports, Liverpool aren't so certain that they can't get Isak however and are putting in some groundwork to see if a deal can be done. And having already broken the British transfer record in their move for Wirtz this summer, there are claims that the Reds are ready to shatter it again.

Isak is said to be the Premier League champion's 'dream' target for the rest of the summer window. But the state of play is described as being 'complicated' due to Newcastle's reluctance to sell.

Newcastle's stance

That reluctance stems from the fact Isak has another three years to run on his contract. Earlier this year, then Newcastle CEO Darren Eales said it would be "crazy" if Newcastle sold the striker, with the Magpies no longer under pressure to comply with PSR.

Qualification for next season's Champions League adds another layer to that reluctance, with the Toon keen to go as far as possible. Boss Eddie Howe has made it clear he wants to see Isak remain on Tyneside.

"Alex has got three years left on his deal," Howe said last month. "Of course, all contract situations are discussed and are talked about. But they are more delicately poised than people would naturally think from the outside. There is never one straight answer.

"Alex is under contract, we love him to bits, and we want him to stay and keep enjoying his football like he has done. We want him to keep scoring goals for Newcastle for many years. That's my plan."

The fee

Isak's lengthy contract means that Newcastle can charge prospective suitors as high a fee as they want to. There are suggestions that they could out price teams by refusing to budge on a £150m price tag.

Liverpool are thought to be willing to offer a fee in the region of £100m, £16m short of what they are paying for Wirtz. But that would be far below Newcastle's valuation. And with the Toon's Saudi backing and a return to the Champions League this season - plus with the club buoyed by winning silverware in the shape of the League Cup last term - they're not for budging.

Whether they can be tempted in any way shape or form, we'll have to wait and see.