3 weeks ago
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Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has admitted that Liverpool target Alexander Isak is likely to leave the North East this summer — labeling claims that the Swede was left out of the club's Asia tour because of injury "ridiculous".
Isak is thought to have made clear to Newcastle that he would like to explore his options this summer. It comes after Liverpool inquired about his availability last week, to be told at the time that he wasn't for sale.
"It's ridiculous what Newcastle put out this morning to say he wasn't on the trip because of a slight thigh injury," Shearer said. Earlier in the day, he had responded to Isak being left out of the Magpies' Asia tour by posting an emoji depicting surprise or embarrassment on Instagram.
"If they thought people wouldn't see through that... it was disappointing," Shearer, speaking to Betfair, continued. "They should've just told the truth straight away. I understand it's a very difficult situation for them, but it is what it is.
"Eddie Howe has to use all his persuasive powers to do what he can and try to make him stay at least one more year. If that can't happen, then it is what it is.
"You have to get the very best deal for the football club. If someone is prepared to pay north of £150 million (c. $200 million), and if he really, really wants to go, you can't step in his way.
"Isak has been brilliant for Newcastle, helped us achieve our dream of winning a trophy, and if there's no way whatsoever that he can be persuaded to stay at Newcastle, then they have to get the best deal possible.
"If someone's prepared to pay what they want, you have to say thank you and build for the future. There's no individual bigger than the football club."
For now, Newcastle has remained steadfast in its stance that it doesn't want to cash in. But Shearer is unconvinced.
"It sounds like he’s going to leave," Shearer said. "The news came out very strongly this morning, and when that happens, it seems to be a reality.
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"Players leave football clubs all the time and get replaced. If that's the case here, it's disappointing, but you have to say thank you and move on.
"If Eddie can persuade him to stay, it'll be great. But if he can't, it'll be very disappointing because Newcastle would be losing a world-class player."
Liverpool.com says: It does look like Isak's head has been turned. It will take a huge amount of money to convince Newcastle to sell, but you can understand the player's perspective.
Newcastle is a team on the up, who will be playing in the Champions League next season. Liverpool, though, is the Premier League champion and the favorite to earn that crown again when the new campaign kicks off.
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