Ex-Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has urged his former club to enter the running for Ivan Toney’s signature.

The Brentford player has spoken out this week to say that he is seeking a move to a “top club” and, writing in his column for Caught Offside, Collymore claims he could be an ideal signing for the Reds:

“If Liverpool decided to come calling, that would be perfect. I know they already have an embarrassment of riches in forward areas but if any of them were offloaded in the coming months, the Brentford star could be a great addition. I rate Toney so highly that I could see him in between Salah and Diaz.”

Collymore suggests that Jurgen Klopp’s side should propose a swap deal, with Cody Gakpo moving in the opposite direction:

“Liverpool will likely look at him and say ‘Not for us’ but If I was the Reds, I would genuinely be inclined to let Gakpo go, who I don’t think will go on to become a prolific Liverpool striker, and replace him with Toney. If they offered Brentford cash and Gakpo, I wonder if the Bees would go for that?  Toney would add something significant to Liverpool as he can play as a traditional nine, he can drop off and he has proven with Mbeumo that he can forge partnerships. For me, I would be giving Brentford a call.”

Toney’s profile makes him an unlikely target for Liverpool

While the Bees striker has proven himself in the Premier League, the fact that he turns 28 in March suggests he may not be on the Reds’ radar. Especially when you consider his valuation (which is said to be between £80m and £100m), you can’t see a bid being considered.

Even if they manage to reduce the price by including a player like Gakpo, Toney would still be seen as overpriced, especially as he has less than 18 months left on his contract.

Premier League rivals are also interested in Toney

The 27-year-old’s inflated price is likely down to the interest being shown in him by the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal. Liverpool are not shy about competing with other Premier League teams for players, as we saw with Moises Caicedo last summer.

However, the competition for Toney’s services, combined with his age and price tag, make him a rather unattractive target for the Reds.