The 25-year-old Swede has emerged as a top target for the Premier League champions, who are eager to bolster their attack.

Liverpool have already splashed out on four major signings this window, bringing in Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike. The recent sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for 65 million pounds has fueled speculation that Liverpool are preparing a record-breaking bid for Isak, potentially exceeding the 116 million pounds paid for Wirtz.

Isak has made his intentions clear, informing Newcastle's board he wants to leave St James' Park, with Liverpool as his preferred destination. "He's contracted to us, and we control what's next for him," Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said on Tuesday.

"My wish is that he stays, but that's not fully in my control. We haven't received a formal offer for Alex from any club."

Despite Howe's hopes, tensions are rising. Reports indicate Newcastle are growing frustrated with Liverpool's delay in submitting a formal bid, as the Reds look to raise additional funds through player sales, including Darwin Nunez.

Sources claim Newcastle are "angry" at the prospect of waiting, with some suggesting they're calling Isak's bluff over a reported thigh injury that kept him from their pre-season tour in Asia. Scans showed no issue, and Howe expects Isak to return to fitness soon.

Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg reported on X that talks between Liverpool and Isak's representatives are "progressing well," with the player's camp "very positive" about a deal. A verbal agreement for a contract until 2031 has reportedly been reached, with Isak set to earn around 250,000 pounds per week. "A record bid will be needed," Plettenberg added.

The situation could escalate dramatically. The Daily Mirror reported that if Newcastle refuse to sell or demand an astronomical fee, rumoured to be around 150 million pounds, Isak might consider the "nuclear option" of unilaterally terminating his contract, which runs until 2028.

Such a move would be unprecedented and risky, but it underscores Isak's determination to join Liverpool, where he'd compete for major trophies and Champions League football.

Newcastle, backed by their Saudi owners, remain firm, insisting Isak isn't for sale. They've offered him a new deal to become their highest-paid player, surpassing Bruno Guimaraes' wages, but Isak's focus appears set on Anfield.

Howe, speaking after a pre-season friendly, hinted at the complexity of the situation. "I'm aware it's a short career for a footballer," he said, suggesting he understands Isak's ambitions. Meanwhile, Newcastle are exploring replacements, with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško and Brentford's Yoane Wissa linked.

On X, transfer insider Jan Aage Fjortoft recently weighed in, noting Isak's desire to join Liverpool and the Reds' willingness to pay over 120 million pounds.

However, he highlighted challenges: Newcastle's lack of a sporting director and the need for a replacement could delay any deal. "This saga can't go on forever," Fjortoft posted.

As the transfer window nears its close, all eyes are on whether Newcastle will hold firm or if Isak's push will spark the biggest transfer in British football history. Liverpool's ambition is clear, but Newcastle's resolve, and Isak's next move, will decide the outcome.

Report: Newcastle stand firm amid Liverpool and Al Hilal interest in Alexander Isak