Alan Shearer perfectly explains the two reasons Alexander Isak will not go to Chelsea
Alan Shearer believes Alexander Isak will stay with Newcastle despite interest from Chelsea.
The Swedish forward enjoyed a sensational season last term. He scored 25 goals in all competitions. That form was good enough for some of Newcastle's Premier League rivals to sit up and take notice. Arsenal and Tottenham were linked with him - the latter reportedly proposing a swap deal involving Richarlison.
And now Chelsea are the latest to express their interest. Reports claim that the Blues have held fresh talks with Newcastle regarding a move.
But Magpies hero Shearer has calmed fears that Isak will leave. He has claimed that any fan reaction would be enough to put the striker off, while Chelsea can simply not afford him - a nearly £200m fee apparently having been put on the striker.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: “I’m not that worried. I don’t think he’ll leave. I don’t think it can happen. Newcastle supporters would go mad if it happened. What he’s brought to Newcastle and how good a player he is, I’m not sure Chelsea could afford him either.
“I’ve seen the reports and I don’t think there’s anything in that at all. I’d be amazed, angry and disappointed if he left Newcastle.” Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has also given his verdict on Isak’s future. He was asked about any potential exits including Isak and Bruno Guimaraes.
But Howe reaffirmed that he sees the pair remaining at St James’ Park next season. He said: “I'm planning for them to be here. Yeah, all my planning is with them in the squad.
Alexander Isak
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“I talk to them all the time about different things and yeah, of course, their future might come within those discussions but not necessarily about the media stories. I wouldn’t necessarily begin a conversation about that.”
Isak, 24, joined Newcastle in a club record £63m deal from Spanish side Real Sociedad. He has gone on to make 67 appearances since then, scoring on 35 occasions.
Isak has four years remaining on his contract with Newcastle. While his exit has seemingly been ruled out, there could be departures from the club this summer to ensure they comply with PSR.
The Telegraph report that Newcastle are in talks with Nottingham Forest regarding a swap deal. Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson could be set for moves to the City Ground, with former Manchester United star Anthony Elanga going the other way.
An international teammate of Isak, he enjoyed a bright season in the East Midlands after joining from Manchester United. He scored five goals and notched nine assists in the Premier League.
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