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Alexander Isak, the Newcastle forward with eyes for silverware, has previously shared his title-winning aspirations, and now it seems Liverpool are poised to swoop in.
The Reds have been busy bolstering their ranks ahead of the new season with a string of high-profile signings, and they're still keen to bring the Swedish marksman to Anfield. With Liverpool set to make its interest official, it appears Isak's attention has been captured.
However, hints of Isak's intentions might have been evident earlier, as back in March, the 25-year-old expressed his eagerness to clinch the sport's most prestigious accolades. Despite his dedication to Newcastle, his comments imply that Isak may be seeking a level of triumph – and a deal – that the Magpies are currently unable to provide, especially given their constraints under PSR (Profit and Sustainability Regulations).
"I've said many times, I don't really look too much or think too much about my future," Isak remarked four months ago. He made his ambition for top honours clear, adding: "But yeah, I've said I'm happy here and we are contenders for titles, which is what you want to win as a football player.
"The chances are there (to win things). Yeah, as I've said, I'm not thinking about the summer, but that will be a talking point when the season is finished.
"No [contract] talks have been held yet. I have high ambitions. I am trying to create my own history at Newcastle. Happy with what I have done so far but always looking forward."
Isak is understood to be privately disgruntled after Liverpool's initial overture was turned down by the club from the North East, according to Sky Sports. Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle, confirmed last week that Isak would not be part of Newcastle's preseason tour after the player expressed a desire to weigh up his options concerning his future.
The Swede's absence was attributed to a slight thigh problem. However, this came on the heels of an incident where Isak was sent back home prior to Newcastle's 4-0 preseason loss to Celtic, with Howe deciding that the player wasn't in the correct mental state to participate due to rumours swirling about his future.
The situation was further muddled when Liverpool secured the signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt – a talent Newcastle had been keenly pursuing.
Isak perceived this as potentially dashing his hopes of a switch to Anfield, yet it appears that Reds manager Arne Slot has plans to devise a bold formation that includes both Isak and his new French forward.
During his three-year tenure at Newcastle, Isak has risen to iconic status. He's netted 62 goals and played a pivotal role in the team's Carabao Cup triumph last season, overcoming the very side he's rumored to be eager to join this summer in the final: Liverpool.
Despite Liverpool's formidable presence in the transfer arena, the Reds are yet to table an offer for Isak, who still has three years remaining on his Newcastle contract. The Magpies reportedly put a £150 million ($198.7 million) price tag on him, which means Liverpool would have to break the British transfer record by a significant margin to secure his signature.
When asked about Isak's situation this week, Howe remarked: "He is still our player. He's contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him.
"I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that's not in my full control. We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year."
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