Michael Owen called out Alan Shearer for being 'inches away' from leaving Newcastle amid Alexander Isak criticism

Michael Owen once called out Alan Shearer for being 'inches' away from leaving Newcastle United amid the ongoing transfer saga involving Alexander Isak.

Isak, who still has three years left on his current deal at St James' Park, has expressed a desire to make a move away from the Magpies after his best season for the club last campaign - where he scored 27 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions.

The 27-year-old was not involved for Newcastle in their Premier League opener against Aston Villa, which finished goalless at Villa Park.

After the game, Magpies boss Eddie Howe made it clear the club wants a quick resolution to the issue, with Isak strongly linked with a move to Liverpool.

Arne Slot's side reportedly had a bid worth £110m rejected by Newcastle at the start of August, with the Magpies seeking a higher fee for a player who is the North East club's record signing when he was bought from Real Sociedad in 2022 for £63m.

It remains unclear where Isak will be playing his football by the time the summer transfer window closes at 7pm on 1 September.

Newcastle legend Shearer has waded into the Isak debate, as the striker is training away from the rest of the Magpies squad after making it clear he wants to leave the club, and the Geordie legend has been critical of the Swede's approach of seeking a move.

Alexander Isak has been strongly linked with a move away from Newcastle United. (Image: Getty)

Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer said: "There is no loyalty [in football] - clubs look after themselves and players look after themselves, but there's a way of doing things. The way that Alex is doing this at the moment is not the right way.

"You've got a guy who played a huge part in one of Newcastle's best seasons ever, winning the club's first trophy for 70 years, qualifying again for the Champions League. Yet with three years left on his contract he says he doesn't want to play here any more."

Shearer spent a decade at St James Park after moving to his hometown club from Blackburn Rovers for a then world record transfer fee of £15m in 1996.

He went on to score 206 goals in 405 games for the North East club before retiring in 2006.

What did Michael Owen say about Alan Shearer's loyalty?

Owen was team-mates with Shearer for a season at Newcastle and had previously played together with England.

But Owen once revealed he did not speak with Shearer for four years following a public spat where the latter criticised the former's book.

And in 2019, Owen called out Shearer for attempting to move to Liverpool himself - just as Isak is trying to do now - and suggested the transfer was 'inches away'.

Taking to social media platform X in September 2019, Owen said: "Not sure you are as loyal to Newcastle as you make out mate.

"I distinctly remember you being inches away from signing for Liverpool after Sir Bobby Robson put you on the bench. You tried everything to get out."