Alan Shearer berates Alexander Isak with 'loyalty' comment during Aston Villa vs Newcastle

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer did not hold back when giving his opinion on Alexander Isak during the Magpies’ Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Isak, 25, as expected, was left out of Eddie Howe’s match-day squad for the trip to Villa Park amid uncertainty about his future.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with the Swede and saw a bid worth £110m plus add-ons rejected by Newcastle earlier this month.

And although the Premier League champions remain favourites to sign Isak this summer, according to journalist Richard Keys, Real Madrid are also “in the frame”.

"I heard today that Liverpool have made a bid of £110m. A second offer of £80m now and £60m next season. Take your pick," Keys said.

He added: "But I've also heard that Real Madrid might be in the frame."

Alexander Isak is linked with Liverpool (Credit:Getty)

Meanwhile, ahead of Newcastle’s clash against Villa, Howe issued an update on the situation.

Speaking to TNT Sports, the Newcastle boss explained: "No different to how it has been for a number of weeks. We are without him [Alexander Isak]. We are adapting to that and still trying to be competitive. Today will be a big test for us.

"Now is not the time to discuss that (whether he feels let down). All my emotions are towards this game. This is a tough place to come. We have got to be there mentally, me included."

But Shearer was less polite about Isak when giving his thoughts on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Alan Shearer gave his thoughts on Alexander Isak (Credit:Getty)

The Newcastle legend and former Premier League winner with Blackburn explained how he felt loyalty was a “no-go” from clubs and players in the modern-day game.

Shearer said: “Loyalty in football is a no-go, neither from clubs or players - just look at the situation with Gianluigi Donnarumma and PSG this week. Look what's happened to him, the form he was in and what he did last year to help PSG achieve their dream, and yet the club come to him and say, 'We're getting rid of you, we don't fancy you anymore, despite what you've done for us.'

“So, where's the loyalty there? I get clubs and football players; there is no loyalty, clubs look after themselves, and players look after themselves, but there's a way of doing things. The way that Alex [Isak] is doing this at the moment is not the right way.”

This comes after Shearer joked that any forward thinking about joining Liverpool “will be having second thoughts now having to play second fiddle to the brilliant [Hugo] Ekitike”, in an X post on Friday.