Newcastle chiefs are reportedly angry at what they view as deliberate efforts from Liverpool to 'unsettle' Alexander Isak. The Reds have been linked with a big-money move for the Swedish striker, although they have yet to submit a formal bid.

However, they are said to have made contact with Newcastle over a potential transfer. Isak, 25, still has three years remaining on his current contract and is likely to cost potential suitors around £120million. That follows him scoring 23 times in the Premier League last season, and he also struck in his side's Carabao Cup final win against Arne Slot's side.

According to the Telegraph, though, Newcastle United remain adamant that Isak is not for sale. Club personnel reportedly view Liverpool's enquiry as a deliberate tactic to unsettle the forward.

As it stands, he's not said to be pushing for a move. Indeed, the former Real Sociedad man has stayed tight-lipped on his future throughout the saga, and has not handed in any formal transfer request.

The Isak development comes with Newcastle pursuing another forward in Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike. The club are said to have sent a delegation to Germany in an effort to get a deal over the line, and are lining up a bid in the region of £78million.

That has prompted fears from fans that the French forward is being viewed as a potential replacement for Isak. However, manager Eddie Howe is also likely to be demanding more squad depth ahead of his team's return to the Champions League.

Liverpool have already sealed the signing of Florian Wirtz this summer, for an initial £100m fee. That could reach £116m with add-ons, which would make the figure a British transfer record.

However, they remain intent on adding Isak to their forward ranks. The likes of Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott are expected to be sold in order to recoup funds.