‘Wow’ - Pep Guardiola reveals Man City interest in Alexander Isak after Newcastle win

Pep Guardiola has admitted Manchester City were chasing Alexander Isak before he joined Newcastle United.

Another stunning strike at the weekend took the 24-year-old’s tally to 14 for the season. Just a week previously, he bagged a brace against Sunderland to etch his name into Tyne-Wear derby history.

A chorus of “Who put the ball in the Mackems' net? Alexander Isak” could be heard echoing around St James’ Park once he fired the Magpies level on Saturday. His swivel inside and curling right-footed finish evoked memories of Thierry Henry, a comparison the Swedish international cannot escape.

However, Isak’s goal was ultimately in vain as Man City came from behind to complete a stunning second-half turnaround. Kevin De Bruyne - making his first Premier League appearance since August - proved the difference with a goal and assist in the final 15 minutes.

City mastermind Guardiola revealed post-match that he tracked the Toon talisman as a youngster. Isak was one of the most promising talents in Europe when he broke through the ranks at Swedish outfit AIK.

He became his country’s youngest goalscorer at 17 and now, aged 24, has already played for Borussia Dortmund, Real Sociedad and Newcastle. It was Isak’s stint in Spain which caught Guardiola’s eye, with the former Barcelona boss now left stunned by his progress on Tyneside.

"Since arriving, his impact has been really good," the 52-year-old told City’s media channel. "He had the conditions to be an incredible striker with his speed, his finishing.

"We started to follow him at Real Sociedad. We were impressed. He was a target. Wow. He is a young player but with these skills. All the clubs around the world take a look. It is not a surprise and he's adapted really well here in the Premier League. I don't know him personally, but I admire him a lot."