Liverpool was held to a 3-3 draw by Newcastle at the start of the month, with Alexander Isak opening the scoring for the Magpies. He has not stopped since, finding the net in every subsequent league game, which has inevitably led to transfer links.

Of course, not many are in a position to poach Newcastle's top talent. The club's financial might is well-publicized, following a lucrative Saudi-backed takeover — and results are starting to follow on the pitch, with the chance to move up to fifth this evening with a win over Manchester United.

But from a competitive standpoint, at least, Liverpool and Arsenal are two of a handful who could claim to be a clear step up for Isak. Both of the title rivals have been linked with the Swedish marksman, with The Telegraph suggesting he could be a target at Anfield in the event that Mohamed Salah does not agree a contract extension.

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Interest from Arsenal is more long-standing, and the need for a striker is more immediate. Kai Havertz has been proving many doubters wrong, but a relative scarcity of open-play goals is still an issue for the Gunners as they attempt to keep pace with Liverpool.

However, both sides will need to think twice about earmarking Isak as the solution. That's because, per the same Telegraph story, Newcastle has reportedly set a price tag "in excess" of $188m (£150m).

This would be the third-most expensive transfer fee of all time, behind PSG moves for Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Incidentally, the French giant is another of the teams credited with an interest in Isak.

But the chances of anyone paying the Premier League record asking price for Isak are slim. Newcastle has set the price with the intention of warding off suitors, a ploy which worked in the summer when Chelsea showed an interest.

The 25-year-old still has three and a half years remaining on his contract, and Newcastle may well look to extend it at the end of the current campaign. Talks over a new deal were postponed earlier this year, but there is a sense of serenity on Tyneside.

From a Liverpool perspective, Isak would clearly not be a direct replacement for Salah, with the former Borussia Dortmund youngster operating as a number nine rather than out wide. However, there are still question marks over the Reds' last major outlay through the middle, with Darwin Nunez not showing any significant improvement under Arne Slot.

Whether that makes another high-profile attacking addition a priority remains to be seen, with the likes of Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota all still performing well. But if Isak is a genuine target, it seems Liverpool will have to effectively double its record transfer outlay.

Liverpool.com says: It's easy to see why Liverpool might admire Isak. He can score and create for others, he has proved himself at a high level already, and he is entering his peak years.

However, it is equally clear that Liverpool will not get anywhere near this apparent asking price. Unless Newcastle's stance changes, it is hard to see anybody luring Isak away from St James' Park.