Liverpool are ready to pounce in the transfer market if Newcastle finally allow Alexander Isak to depart.

The Reds had been chasing a striker all summer long and after signing Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, that looked to be the end of the matter.

However, after unveiling the Frenchman, long-standing target Isak then made himself available by handing in a transfer request, putting Liverpool back on red alert.

The Swede now reportedly has his eyes set on a move to Anfield and by failing to join the pre-season tour and training alone, it appears as though he is trying to force through a move.

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This has, of course, angered many Newcastle fans, something Michael Owen has addressed, with the former striker revealing his stance on the situation.

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Owen had a fairly successful career at both Newcastle and Liverpool, but the latter is where he really made a name for himself.

Despite scoring a decent amount of goals for both, he is not the most liked by either fanbase, with Reds fans never forgiving him since he made a move to Manchester United in the twilight of his career.

However, he knows a thing or two about transferring between big clubs and he does not believe that Isak is in the wrong.

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“If you didn’t have ambition, then football would be nothing,” Owen told talkSPORT.

“You get one short career, try and win as much as you can, try and get to the best teams and that’s what drives everybody.

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“People will say it’s because of the money, it’s not.

Most footballers want to be in the best team, playing in the best competitions, winning the trophies and unfortunately, this scenario will never ever change.”

At 25, the Swede is still yet to hit his prime, a frightening prospect given the talent he has already displayed.

And, with the Reds being Premier League champions and issuing a statement of intent with their transfers this summer, it is not entirely a surprise that Isak is so keen to join.

Once the Swede was left out of the pre-season tour squad to Singapore, alarm bells were raised and everyone had a sneaky suspicion that something bigger was going on.

Since then, this story has spiralled and escalated to the point where Isak has flown to Spain to keep fit at the Real Sociedad training ground according to El Diario Vasco.

Isak wants Liverpool and Liverpool want Isak, it is now completely up to Newcastle and whether they give them the green light.

If so, the Reds will table a British record bid for the second time this summer, with this expected to be £120m plus add-ons.

Newcastle also want to get a striker through the door first, with Benjamin Sesko their top target, although Manchester United’s interest in the Slovenian could cause a stumbling block in that deal as well as Isak’s proposed move to Anfield.
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