'Liverpool respond to Newcastle United's Alexander Isak asking price'

Liverpool are unlikely to be willing to match Newcastle United's "incredibly high" asking price for the signing of Alexander Isak.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that they will consider alternative options if an agreement can't be reached.

Newcastle are expected to demand around £150million to entertain the 25-year-old's exit in the summer amid ever-growing interest from Europe's elite clubs.

The price tags is designed to warn off suitors for Isak, as Eddie Howe remains determined to keep his star man at St James' Park beyond the end of the season.

Liverpool are said to have been deterred by the price tag as they are not looking to spend mega-money on a single player and would rather invest in the squad as a whole.

However, Football Insider revealed on 18 February that the Reds will try to tempt Newcastle into a sale with the inclusion of Darwin Nunez in a player-plus-cash exchange deal.

Arne Slot has not been convinced by Nunez's performances since his arrival at Anfield and could now look to take advantage of his high value.

Liverpool unlikely to meet Newcastle's Alexander Isak asking price

Football Insider revealed on 16 February that Liverpool's interest in Isak is "genuine" and "very strong" as Slot views him as the perfect signing for his side.

Now, Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted they may find it difficult to find an agreement with Newcastle that works for both clubs.

"I think he's the best striker in the country," he told Football Insider.

"He would be an asset to any team. We've spoken about him in connection with Arsenal before.

"From what I hear, I don't think Liverpool are going to be in the market to pay the sort of money Newcastle will want for Isak.

"There's been talk about £150million, Liverpool would rather invest that in a few players than just one.

"Aside from that, though, if we're just talking about him as a player, he would improve that team.

"He's got all the assets you want in a striker, he's good on the ball, can come short and link play, doesn't mind running in behind, and he's a lethal finisher.

"It's not surprise to see Liverpool interested because he's the best there is at the moment.

"If they can sign him, it will be brilliant for them and their ambitions.

"But it will all depend on whether they're going to pay what Newcastle want, because they're not going to let him go unless there's an incredibly high price involved.

"In that case, Liverpool would probably start looking at other targets."

Darwin Nunez backed to leave Anfield in summer transfer twist

After well-placed sources Football Insider that Nunez could be involved in a possible swap deal for Isak, there is a growing feeling that his spell at Anfield has come to and end.

Supporters were left raging after Nunez missed a clear opportunity against Aston Villa to put Liverpool 3-2 ahead in the latter stages of their 2-2 draw on 19 February.

Football Insider revealed on 11 February that Liverpoil would prefer to sell the Uruguay international rather than Diogo Jota this summer amid interest in both.

It is believed that one of Slot's current attacking options will have to leave this summer to make way for an incoming signing after the boss has grown concerned about the lack of consistency.

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