Liverpool transfer target Alexander Isak could be the subject of a British-record offer before the window closes
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United
Liverpool transfer target Alexander Isak(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Didi Hamann believes Liverpool have little alternative but to return with an improved offer to bring Alexander Isak to Anfield. It comes after Newcastle United striker agitated further for a move after a bid was rejected this month.
The Premier League champions made their move at the start of August but saw an offer, understood to have been a flat £110m fee, turned down by the Magpies, who are insistent last season's 23-goal top scorer won't be sold before an adequate replacement is found.
Isak had earlier been left out of their pre-season defeat to Celtic in Glasgow before refusing to fly on the club's tour of the Far East by citing a thigh injury last month.
It was reported earlier this week that Isak had made it clear he won't play again for his current employers and having made known his stance at St James Park, Hamann, who played for both clubs between the years of 1998 and 2006, thinks the Reds will have to return to the table to complete a British-record deal.
"I think Liverpool have made their intentions clear now. If they can agree on a fee, they'll probably have to take Alexander Isak, because I always feel if things go public, you can't leave the player hanging," Hamann told to CasinoHawks, who have the latest casino sites.
"I think it'll be very hard for Isak to go back to Newcastle now. Even if he doesn't join Liverpool, they've got to find a way of trying to integrate him back into the team.
"I suppose he will end up with Liverpool, Isak. But how are they going to play then? That remains to be seen. I wouldn't pay £150m. I agree with Jamie Carragher (that £150m is too steep).
"I think £150m is a spicy price tag for him. He's a very good player. We know he can score goals in the Premier League, but I wouldn't mind if Liverpool start the season with Hugo Ekitike up top."
Liverpool are edging nearer to bringing in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi after talks opened with the Eagles this week.
The England international is inside the final year of his terms at Selhurst Park and 2005 Champions League winner Hamann thinks the pursuit of Guehi might see the sale of Ibrahima Konate, who also has less a year on his current deal.
Hamann added: "Liverpool have always been very strict and clear when these things happen. I wouldn't be surprised if Marc Guehi were to sign, they let Ibrahima Konate go and cash in on him.
"We've seen with the big clubs, you've got to make decisions, and sometimes those decisions are not popular. We saw it at Barcelona with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, a new keeper was brought in.
"We've seen it in PSG now, Gianluigi Donnarumma has been exceptional last season, in the Champions League, then they bring in a new keeper because he hasn't signed a new contract, and he's probably got to leave the club now.
"I think the big clubs, the way they see it is that they offer them contracts, they see what they do. And then once it goes past a certain deadline or a certain date, they say: 'Okay, we have to act'. And this is what they do.
"I'm 100% certain Liverpool are ooking actively, because you've got to be in control of the situation, which you wouldn't be if you just say: 'Let's try going into the season with Konate, there may be signs and in contract'.
"If he doesn't, then you've got a problem because if you need somebody next season, when he's leaving on a free, everybody knows that maybe the players get a bit more expensive. Liverpool will be looking actively for a replacement."
Liverpool begin the defence of their Premier League title on Friday night at home to Bournemouth.