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Alan Shearer has urged Newcastle United not to sell star striker Alexander Isak in January.
Until the West Ham United defeat on Monday, the Swede appeared to be growing into the campaign following a stuttering start. He bagged four goals in as many games before firing a blank against the Hammers.
A clinical finish in the opening stages was ruled out for offside and Isak also fluffed his lines shortly after from close range. If Newcastle are to have a successful campaign, they need their Swede back to his ruthless best.
The 25-year-old hit 21 league goals last season to fuel transfer speculation. Eddie Howe told reporters last week that Isak can become one of the world’s best should his upward trajectory continue.
"(Isak) is building momentum into his season," he said. "He has scored some big goals of late for us and his general performances have continued to improve. He has gone away for Sweden and played really well and I'm delighted with how he has looked on international duty to continue that good form.
"Being a striker - having not been one myself, but from experience - it is all about confidence and how you feel. Alex has undoubted qualities and I would put him right up there in strikers currently playing in the world, but his potential is great.
"If he can continue on the path he has been the past couple of seasons, he can prove himself as one of the world's best. Without putting pressure on him, that would be my target if I was him."
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But transfer talk continues to develop, with Spanish reports suggesting Barcelona are weighing up a move. Most of the English interest has come from Arsenal given their woes up front.
However, with four years left to run on his current deal, Isak would not come cheap. Newcastle may demand a fee above £100million - but club legend Shearer has told the power brokers to reject potential offers.
“There have been reports this week that Newcastle would be willing to take £115million for Alexander Isak in January,” he told Betfair. “For me, it’s a no. Unless they have a like-for-like, world-class replacement ready to come in then it would be crazy to sell him in January and I don't think they will. It's not a viable option.”
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