1 day ago
22
Alan Shearer has voiced his concerns over Newcastle United's handling of the uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak after a "disaster" pre-season. Liverpool has been given a clear message by Newcastle and knows without an improved bid for the striker, there will be no switch to Anfield.
The Magpies have turned down a hefty $148 million (£110m) offer from Liverpool, who has not yet come back with an enhanced bid. Nonetheless, the Premier League title holders are closely monitoring the situation up in the North East.
Currently, Isak is training away from the main squad at and Eddie Howe has suggested it is almost certain he will not be involved in the Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday (August 16).
It has since emerged that Isak, who netted in the Carabao Cup final victory against Liverpool at Wembley in March, has informed the Magpies he won't play for the club again.
Commenting on The Rest is Football podcast, Toon icon Shearer didn't mince his words about the ongoing drama. "Disaster pre-season. Absolute disaster. Where do I start? One win. All of the talk has been about Isak," he remarked.
"It has been a disaster, it really has. After what should have been, I thought, a time for Newcastle to kick on, after winning a trophy, after getting into the Champions League.
"I thought it was the time to go out and bring in three or four big players and I thought that was going to happen.
"I've said about the chief executive and sporting director, I think it's nonsense they have not had those in, whether that has hampered them or not, I guess it has.
"They need to sort the situation out as quickly as possible with Isak. I guess he stays, until they get someone in and Eddie can maybe talk him around - if that isn't possible then (they need to sell him).
"They've just got to get some players in. They needed a forward anyway, so now they need two centre-forwards."
Newcastle is reportedly digging their heels in over a potential deal for Liverpool, with early demands of a $202 million (£150 million) fee to prise away the former Real Sociedad striker.
Nevertheless, reports now indicate that a bid of $175 million (£130 million) – which could establish a new British transfer record – plus additional clauses might be enough to secure a deal.
Following his 27-goal tally last season, Isak took centre stage in Newcastle's third kit launch, appearing alongside club legend Tino Asprilla at the Tyneside Irish Centre, though his photograph has subsequently disappeared from the club shop.
Liverpool kicks off its campaign at home to Bournemouth on Friday (August 15) before taking on Newcastle on Monday, August 25.
English (US) ·