Alan Shearer speaks out after 'ridiculous' Newcastle United decision has media outlets running rampant with rumours
It's probably safe to say that today has been one to forget for Newcastle United fans after the news that Alexander Isak hadn't travelled with the squad to Singapore.
I almost used the word 'announcement' there, but really, that word barely covers the tiny acknowledgement of his absence in light of all that's going on.
Instead, Newcastle fans have been left to trawl through story after story about Isak, with the only explanation given being that the striker has a slight thigh strain and has stayed behind.
Nobody is buying that excuse, of course, not least because a recent scan revealed no issues, but amid all of the uncertainty around his future, the fact that Isak had trained by himself this week, and that he was sent home on Saturday rather than staying with the group at Celtic Park, there's really only one logical conclusion to draw - he wants away.
Alan Shearer feels the club are fumbling the Alexander Isak saga
Craig Hope reported as much this afternoon, saying that Isak want to assess his options, and the rumour mill hasn't stopped spinning at breakneck speeds ever since.
Former Newcastle United No.9 Alan Shearer is as miffed as any other Newcastle fan, it seems, having ranted at Betfair (via The Daily Mail) about how the club are handling the situation.
"If they thought people wouldn't see through that… it was disappointing. They should've just told the truth straight away. I understand it's a very difficult situation for them but it is what it is.
"Eddie Howe has to use all his persuasive powers to do what he can and try to make him stay at least one more year. If that can't happen then it is what it is. You have to get the very best deal for the football club and if someone is prepared to pay north of £150million, and if he really, really wants to go, you can't step in his way.
"Isak has been brilliant for Newcastle, helped us achieve our dream of winning a trophy and if there's no way whatsoever that he can be persuaded to stay at Newcastle, then they have to get the best deal possible and if someone's prepared to pay what they want, you have to say thank you and build for the future.
"There's no individual bigger than the football club."
Alexander Isak is just one man - we will move on if we have to
Shearer's last line is the one that's worth remembering. Nobody is bigger than the club.
Alexander Isak has been amazing for us, nothing will change that, even if he does force through a move. Yes, we'll all be bitter, but we can never lose sight of the fact that he was a key player when we brought silverware back to Tyneside after five decades.
We will survive if he goes. It may get bumpy for a while, and by Christ, it's going to get messy within the fanbase. But, as long as things keep going right on the pitch, we'll soon get over it.
And let's be honest, things have to go right on the pitch because they sure as hell aren't going right anywhere else.
Man, I am frustrated today.
