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Alan Shearer maintains Newcastle needs two new strikers - rather than just one - before they contemplate allowing Alexander Isak to depart, as the player's aspirations of joining Liverpool continue to fade.
The Swedish forward indicated his wish to explore opportunities elsewhere from St James' Park several weeks back, with the Reds emerging as potential suitors. Their initial $148 million offer was promptly turned down by the Magpies, who have failed to secure several of their summer transfer targets.
In a bid to address any potential void, Newcastle pursued Benjamin Sesko, only to watch Manchester United steal in and secure his services. Yoane Wissa remains on their radar, but Shearer has emphasised that Newcastle are in need of two additional forwards before Isak can be sold.
Callum Wilson's departure, after being permitted to leave the north east when his deal ran out, leaves no cover for Isak. This has prompted their all-time leading scorer to stress the necessity for two new strikers to arrive.
Speaking on the BBC, he stated: "One way or another they have to resolve it, but that won't be easy. Isak clearly wants to leave St James' Park and join Liverpool, but he cannot be sold if they don't get anyone in to replace him.
"It's not just one new striker Newcastle need, either. Callum Wilson moved on earlier in the summer so the reality is that if they don't get two centre-forwards in, Isak does not go anywhere.
"That is still a possible scenario and, if he is still at Newcastle when the window closes at the start of September, things get interesting because he will want to play - he could be playing for his World Cup place with Sweden at next summer's finals."
Currently, Isak is barred from training with the first-team squad as Eddie Howe and the club maintain a firm stance over the player's future.
Newcastle kick off their Premier League season at Aston Villa, with their manager conceding that it's unlikely Isak will feature due to the ongoing situation.
Shearer suggests that the significant deals that have transpired in the top flight have established a benchmark when it comes to transfer fees. Several midfielders have been transferred for around the £100M ($134M) mark, which makes Isak considerably more valuable in today's market.
He further commented: "In recent years we have seen Enzo Fernandez, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish go for around £100M so, if that is the bar, they are never going to get Isak - a 25-year-old striker who has scored 44 Premier League goals across the past two seasons - for £110M."
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