Alexander Isak dealt fresh reality check as Liverpool transfer hits new hurdle

Alan Shearer insists Newcastle need two new strikers - not one - before they even consider letting Alexander Isak go as the player's hopes of moving to Liverpool continue to dwindle.

The Swede expressed a desire to explore his options away from St James' Park several weeks ago and the Reds came forward as a buyer. They saw their opening £110million bid swiftly rejected by the Magpies, who have missed out on a number of their summer targets.

In an effort to plug any gap that may have been left Newcastle went after Benjamin Sesko, only to see Manchester United swoop in and win the race for his signature. Yoane Wissa is also a target but Shearer has made it clear that Newcastle need two new frontmen.

The exit of Callum Wilson, who was allowed to leave the north east when his contract expired, means there is no back-up for Isak. That has led their record goalscorer to underline the need for two new strikers to come in.

He said on the BBC: "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.

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"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."

Isak is currently not allowed to train with the first-team squad as Eddie Howe and the club take a firm stance over the player's future. Newcastle begin their Premier League season at Aston Villa with their manager admitting he is unlikely to feature due to the current state of affairs.

Shearer claims that the major deals to have taken place in the top flight have set a precedent when it comes to figures. Several midfielders have moved for the £100m mark - making Isak notably more valuable in today's market.

He added: "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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