Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has backed Alexander Isak to complete a switch to Anfield this summer, claiming discussions have been ongoing for more than 12 months.

Liverpool has been credited with interest in the Sweden international, with reports this week suggesting the striker has not travelled with Newcastle on its pre-season tour of Asia.

But the Magpies are reportedly holding firm on their position, seeking a fee exceeding £150 million for Isak ($201.5 million) should they sanction a sale this summer.



Isak is could join Liverpool this summer

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"I can only see Alexander Isak joining Liverpool if he does leave Newcastle, which is now expected," he wrote in his column for CaughtOffside.

"I think this has been something that's been ongoing probably for 12 months or more

If the player says that they're going to down tools unless you let me go to this specific club, it's very, very difficult for the club."

With the acquisition of Ekitike, Liverpool's summer spending has now exceeded $300 million, and any potential addition of Isak could push the total above $500 million

"That's six top-quality front players.

"So for me, it just says that Liverpool now are realising that if they're going to stay top of the Premier League, if they're going to continue to win Champions Leagues, but more importantly, win domestic leagues in the manner that Manchester City have done, they have to accept that Man City, Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal are going to continue to spend as more and more money pours into the Premier League.

"And I think that FSG have realized that they've got to do the same."


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