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Alexander Isak has been slammed by Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer for the disruption he has caused in the North East this summer, with Liverpool waiting in the background regarding a move for the Newcastle striker.
Earlier in the transfer window, Liverpool saw an opening offer rejected for Isak. It has since been patient, awaiting news of what players Newcastle might be able to sign as possible replacements.
However, Newcastle has so far been unable to sign a number nine, missing out on Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro, among others. Magpies' target Yoane Wissa has also proven unattainable to this point.
Speaking to The Rest Is Football podcast, Newcastle United legend Shearer has expressed his frustrations at the Isak transfer stand-off, which has so far shown no signs of changing.
"I wish I knew," he said. "It's such a s--- situation for everyone. I heard Eddie Howe saying the situation is no different to what it was three or four weeks ago, which is a nightmare.
"It’s horrible for Newcastle because they need two center-forwards [to come] in for them to even contemplate letting him go. If they do let him go, how much?"
His co-host, Lineker, slammed Isak for his actions after enjoying an "amazing season" last year.
He added: "It’s a really messy situation. I know players want to move sometimes. Clubs can be difficult when they want you out, so it’s often a two-way thing. But if I were a teammate, I’d be very grumpy with him.
"If you’ve got three years left on your contract, you’ve signed that contract. You’ve just won a trophy for the first time (in 56 years), amazing season.
"I understand if Liverpool come in and you want to win Premier Leagues and Champions Leagues. I totally understand that. But downing tools to make it happen? You just think 'Really?'"
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Isak missed the Newcastle preseason tour to Asia and has so far not returned to training with his teammates in the UK. He sat out the opening weekend of the new Premier League season when Howe's men drew 0-0 with Aston Villa.
In the away end, Newcastle fans made it clear what they thought of Isak's actions, branding him "greedy". The North East side hosts Liverpool next in the Premier League on Monday.
Liverpool.com says: Isak downing tools is not a good look, but he seemingly believes that he was promised something and that hasn't been honored. He isn't pushing for a move for financial reasons, but because he wants to have a better chance of winning trophies.
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