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Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike could end up playing together for Liverpool

Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak runs the risk of alienating new signing Hugo Ekitike, according to former France international Emmanuel Petit.

And the 1998 World Cup winner says Isak is now under immense pressure whether he stays at Newcastle United or forces through his dream move to Anfield before the September 1 deadline.

Liverpool signed Ekitike from under Newcastle's nose in late July after striking a deal worth up to £79m with Eintracht Frankfurt for the striker and the France Under-21 international has made an encouraging start to his Anfield career so far with goals against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield and Bournemouth in the Premier League.

And Petit, who played for Arsenal from 1997 to 2000 before returning to the Premier League for a three-year stint at Chelsea following a year with Barcelona, says the champions' potentially British-record chase of Sweden international Isak will have an adverse effect on compatriot Ekitike.

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"Well, I wouldn't be happy if I were Hugo Ekitike," Petit told RacingTipster.

He came from France; it was a huge step for him with a lot of pressure, and he didn't receive confidence from the manager.

"He was under criticism from the press and the fans.

So, can you imagine if Alexander Isak comes with that price tag?

Do you think Isak would be on the bench?

"Obviously, Liverpool will play a lot of games this season, so he will have game time, but I'm not sure he will be the first choice in the big games."

On Isak, Petit adds: "That will also put a lot of pressure on Isak, with everything in the press every single day for weeks now: the fight with his club to leave, how the fans are fuming at Newcastle, some fans burning his shirt.

"Can you imagine if the transfer market closed and he's still at Newcastle?

He wouldn't have any option but to score as soon as possible.

"So, he doesn't put himself in the best condition, you know.

"We all understand why he wants to leave, but if he does leave, you know exactly how much pressure he will receive from the press, from Newcastle, but also from Liverpool, from the fans, from his teammates.

"And it won't be easy either, because he was guaranteed to play every single game at Newcastle.
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