Liverpool and Newcastle are bitterly wrangling over star striker Alexander Isak this summer.

Isak has made it clear that he wants to leave Newcastle after being denied a lucrative contract extension last year.

With Liverpool still looking to bolster their forward line, the Sweden international has decided that he’d rather like to join the champions.

'Try and win': Michael Owen defends Alexander Isak behaviour as Newcastle striker aims to force through exit	'Not for money' – Michael Owen makes 'sad' admission about Liverpool target Alexander Isak	Michael Owen thinks he knows what's happening with Alexander Isak – 'It's sad'

The Magpies might also be minded to get legendary former striker Alan Shearer on the phone to the Swede to convince him of the merits of staying put.

A player who famously turned down overtures from the likes of Man United to stay on Tyneside, Shearer is often held up as the ultimate Geordie.

However, during a public spat with former teammate Michael Owen in 2019, it was revealed that Shearer had actually once tried to force through a move to Liverpool.

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Isak is the most prolific goal scorer Newcastle have been able to claim since Shearer himself.

As a fan of the club himself, the former England international will be desperate for Isak to stay.

But though he is a lifelong supporter of Newcastle, Owen posted on X in September 2019 to suggest Shearer was not as loyal as he may initially appear.

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“Not sure you are as loyal to Newcastle as you make out mate,” said the former striker, who played with Shearer at England and Newcastle.

“I distinctly remember you being inches away from signing for Liverpool after Sir Bobby Robson put you on the bench.

You tried everything to get out.”

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Owen’s revelation came after Shearer called him out for doing an interview with The Mirror in which he claimed to regret joining Newcastle in 2006.

“Yes Michael, we thought that also, whilst on £120k a week…..” wrote Shearer, perhaps without banking on a retort from Owen.

Although it was a surprise at the time to hear Owen claim that Shearer almost joined Liverpool, this was not the first time the suggestion had been made.

Speaking to the Liverpool ECHO in 2005, former Reds assistant manager Phil Thompson said that Gerard Houllier was keen to sign Shearer ahead of the 2003/04 season.

“Contact was made, although Newcastle were obviously not keen to let him go.” Thompson recalled.

“But Alan Shearer is as honest and down to earth as they come and Gerard was convinced that his interest in joining us was genuine.
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