Claiming absent striker is injured is a ridiculous

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.