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Alan Shearer has demanded clarity over the ongoing speculation linking Alexander Isak with Liverpool this week. The transfer story took a surprising turn last week when the Newcastle United striker released a statement on social media.
Isak has been missing from both of Newcastle's matches so far as he looks to secure a move to Anfield. The striker, valued at $200M (£150m), has bounced back from the groin problem that ruled him out of the pre-season tour to the Far East and has been included in the latest Sweden squad.
That comes amid the uncertainty over his club future and he remains keen to join Liverpool in a British-record deal before the transfer window closes next week.
Legendary former Newcastle striker Shearer has called for a swift resolution. "It has to be resolved," he told The Rest is Football podcast.
"They can't go through to next Monday again. Newcastle has got Leeds on Saturday. It's just been going on and on. I know the chairman was in Newcastle last night so my guess would be that something has to be sorted in the next two or three days.
"It can't drag on into the weekend again. One way or the other, it has to be resolved. Unfortunately, you have a three-year contract in this situation. That's you or your agent's fault for signing such a long deal without any get-out clauses.
"I understand that football can be ruthless, and when a club wants to part ways with you as a player, they can. However, that club is compensating you for your services and you still have three years left on your contract.
"There's a proper way to handle things. Take [Eberechi] Eze at Crystal Palace for example, I know it's a completely different situation, but look at how [Marc] Guehi has managed in a challenging situation.
"He only has one year left, whereas Isak has three years remaining on a six-year deal that he or his agent agreed to, which makes it a very different scenario."
Gary Lineker offered an alternative scenario though, claiming the saga could potentially rumble on until the January transfer window.
He added: "I've got a feeling it might go to the wire. I can't see Isak changing his tune, and it has to come from him [for him to play for Newcastle again], unless there's a deal done. If there's a deal done, it will obviously work out before.
"But if it stays as a stalemate, it goes to the end of the window. Then if nothing happens... because it's not easy getting a transfer over the line anyway, particularly one with these complications and the amount of money involved.
"If they don't, then it will drift on to January, I guess, which is no good for anyone, unless Isak changes his tune when he realises he can't play for a few months."
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