The Reds are eager to bolster their attacking options and have identified Isak as their top target for the No.9 role, but prising him away from Newcastle could prove a costly challenge.

Isak, who has consistently delivered over 20 Premier League goals in each of his last two seasons, has caught the attention of top clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal, both of whom see him as a dream addition to their squads.

His clinical finishing and dynamic presence up front, highlighted by a stunning 67.69mph goal in a 3-3 draw against Liverpool last season, have made him one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe. A Newcastle source described Isak's impact, saying, "He's got everything," after the striker left coaches in awe with his one-touch finishing during training.

Newcastle are in a strong position to keep their talisman. With Isak under contract until 2028 and the Magpies securing Champions League football for the 2025/26 season, their resolve to retain him is firm.

Transfer expert David Ornstein noted, "Newcastle insiders insist that with UCL football, they hold all the cards. Isak is well paid and contracted, and maybe only an offer of over 150 million pounds, even closer to 200 million pounds, might change Newcastle's mind". Newcastle's head coach Eddie Howe has also made it clear he wants to keep Isak, stating, "The ambition of the club is long-term success. That's the only way to get there".

Despite the challenges, Liverpool are undeterred. Having already broken their transfer record with a 116 million pounds deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, the Reds are reportedly prepared to offer Newcastle a guaranteed 100 million pounds, with additional add-ons that could exceed the Wirtz fee.

To fund such a move, Liverpool may look to sell players like Darwin Nunez, who has attracted interest from Napoli and Saudi clubs, or Jarell Quansah, who is set to join Leverkusen for 30 million pounds plus add-ons.

If negotiations with Newcastle stall, Liverpool have a fallback option in Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, who scored 22 goals last season. However, Frankfurt's 85 million pounds valuation for the young striker is still a significant investment.

Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has backed the pursuit of Isak, saying, "Newcastle United's Alexander Isak is the ideal answer" to Liverpool's need for a new attacking approach.

Newcastle's firm stance was reiterated by Isak himself in March, when he said, "It's been written how much I love the city and the club, how well I feel there. I'm not thinking about the future. I just want to perform for Newcastle". However, with contract talks reportedly at a standstill, Liverpool sense an opportunity to test Newcastle's resolve.

For now, Liverpool's pursuit of Isak remains a bold ambition, but the Reds' determination and financial muscle could yet spark one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer. Whether they can convince Newcastle to part with their star man or pivot to Ekitike, Liverpool are poised to make a significant splash in the transfer market as they prepare to defend their Premier League title.

Report: Liverpool launch ambitious move for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak