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Liverpool's formal approach to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle is being viewed as a 'deliberate ploy' to unsettle the striker, after the club clarified that he was not for sale.
On Tuesday, Liverpool contacted Newcastle regarding Isak to enquire about his availability. Newcastle has stood firm and declared that Isak is not for sale, but Liverpool is keen to discuss a record bid for the 25-year-old.
Newcastle has also been in talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, but a $93 million bid for the 23-year-old was rejected on Tuesday. According to the Daily Telegraph, Liverpool's activity is tactical as the club looks to unsettle the striker during another transfer saga.
Liverpool is reportedly ready to launch a record bid for Isak, after breaking its transfer record earlier this window. Liverpool signed Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz in a deal worth up to $155 million, and have also acquired Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.
The focus at Anfield is now on outgoings, with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez linked with high-profile exits. Rather than simply balance the books, Liverpool made it clear to Newcastle that it was ready to sign Isak.
As things stand, Liverpool's reported attempt to unsettle Isak has been unsuccessful, as the striker hasn't asked to leave Newcastle. However, Liverpool could also attempt to hijack a deal for Ekitike if Isak is unavailable.
Newcastle has pushed heavily in the past week to sign Ekitike, but Liverpool will enter the race if the club refuses to sell Isak. The Telegraph report also claims that Newcastle will struggle to block Liverpool from signing at least one striker.
Liverpool has put Newcastle in a tough position. The club has pressured Newcastle to part ways with Isak, and with Frankfurt demanding a higher fee for Ekitike, the extra funds could be necessary.
While Newcastle doesn't need the money because it is the wealthiest club in the world, financial fair play rules must be observed. However, if any deal for Isak is shut down, Liverpool will then rival Newcastle for Ekitike.
Either way, Newcastle's plans to retain Isak and pair him with Ekitike have been disrupted. It's a powerplay move from Liverpool, but a clear statement that the Premier League champions mean business this summer.
Liverpool is seen as the next step for Isak, which Wirtz took earlier this window when making the blockbuster move from Leverkusen. "I just thought that it was the right point in my career to make the next step, and of course, I wanted to get to a club that is one of the top three in the world," Wirtz said.
"I was really convinced by the people here, by the idea, and everything what the club offers me was really good." Wirtz also credited the role of head coach Arne Slot when completing his transfer, something that could tempt Isak.
"He (Slot) already showed me some scenes of how we want to play and how I could fit in the team," Wirtz added. "He was just telling me that I’m a player he really wants to have in his team."
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