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Alexander Isak isn't afraid to showcase his fiery side(Image: Getty Images)

To his benefit or detriment, Alexander Isak has demonstrated he's not one to shy away from confrontation - as evidenced by his bold retort to former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

"It's something referees don't want."

Isak responded a few weeks later after Newcastle beat United 2-0 in the league.



The Reds are eager to add the 25-year-old to an attacking unit already featuring Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz.

Article continues belowIsak remains Liverpool's top striker target(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool have already broken the British transfer record once this summer for Wirtz, who joined in a deal totalling £116m, and will likely have to do so again if they're to land Isak.

Newcastle could be forced to lower the price amid reports Isak could refuse to play unless his wishes are granted.

Conversely, Liverpool may feel less pressure to push the deal through, especially given Ekitike's blistering start to life on Merseyside.

Isak has resorted to drastic measures to force the issue - skipping Newcastle's pre-season trip to Asia and sitting out their opening-day draw with Aston Villa, where Anthony Gordon was forced to play as a makeshift striker.

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Despite dominating possession and seeing Villa go down to 10 men, the Magpies failed to find a goal.

They dominated possession and registered 16 shots, but just three were on target - a stat that underlined just how much they missed Isak's cutting edge.

To make matters worse, sections of the away support branded Isak "greedy" and even sang: "We don't care about Isak, he don't care about me.
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