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Les Ferdinand has informed Alexander Isak of what he must do to seal a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty)

If Liverpool are to sign Newcastle United star Alexander Isak this summer, they'll need him to "throw his toys out the pram." That's the view of former Magpies striker Les Ferdinand, who insisted his old club are "under no pressure" to sell.

The Reds made their first bid for the striker on Friday, but it was turned down.

Arne Slot's side had previously made an informal enquiry about signing Isak amid speculation of a £120million transfer, but an initial bid has now been rejected.

Isak, 25, didn't travel with his team-mates on their summer tour of Asia and has been working individually at his former club, Real Sociedad.

It was reported Newcastle want Isak, who still has three years remaining on his existing deal, to pen fresh terms with a release clause that would become active next summer.

Nevertheless, all indications point to the player being determined to depart during the current transfer window.

And Ferdinand, who netted 50 goals in 84 appearances for Newcastle, has already suggested Liverpool may need additional assistance from Isak's camp to push through a transfer.

The former England international told Goal in March: "If they lose Isak, they go two or three levels back because where do you find another striker like him?

That's in some way a compliment to him and the club that he's been able to perform.

Article continues belowIsak netted 23 league goals last season for the Magpies(Image: Getty)

"They signed him on a big contract and he's still got a few years left with them, so they're under no pressure to sell unless he throws his toys out the pram."

Isak has already demonstrated his frustration to some degree by declining to participate in Howe's squad during their pre-season preparations, reports the Mirror.

However, with a month remaining in the transfer window and the Premier League season kicking off in just a fortnight, some uncomfortable weeks lie ahead in the north east.

Liverpool have launched an aggressive transfer campaign this summer following minimal activity during Slot's inaugural year in charge of the club.

The Reds have already shattered the British transfer record by securing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal potentially reaching £116.5m.

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This follows the acquisitions of Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili, representing a combined outlay of £165m.

Yet the reigning English champions seem determined to make one final marquee signing in Isak to cap off their spending spree.

The danger for Newcastle lies in compelling arguably their most prized asset to remain at the club whilst he remains discontented.

Such a move could affect performances on the pitch, potentially diminishing his market value and preventing them from securing maximum returns in a future transfer window.
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