What now as unhappy Isak edges towards the exit door?

NEWCASTLE have made themselves look “ridiculous” in claiming star striker Alexander Isak is injured, former Magpies forward Alan Shearer has said, amid reports he wants to explore a move away from the club.

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Newcastle released a statement yesterday morning to say the Swede would miss the club's preseason tour of Asia due to a minor thigh problem.

Hours later, reports emerged that Isak had told club executives he wanted to explore the possibility of a transfer, amid reported interest from Liverpool.

Shearer, a Betfair Ambassador, said: “It's ridiculous what Newcastle put out this morning to say he wasn't on the trip because of a slight thigh injury.

“If they thought people wouldn't see through that... it was disappointing. They should have just told the truth straight away. I understand it's a very difficult situation for them, but it is what it is.