Alan Shearer's Newcastle United transfer fear that would need 'world class' response

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has warned his old club not to even contemplating parting with Alexander Isak - unless they have a "world class" replacement lined up.

Shearer is responding to reports that Newcastle would take £115million for Isak's services in January. And while the word from the corridors of power at St James' Park is that Isak is wanted for the long-term, it remains to be seen how Newcastle would react if Arsenal put their money where their mouth is at the start of the winter window.

Some Newcastle fans fear that Isak may become dissatisfied on Tyneside if Newcastle don't qualify for Europe next season. Speaking on Isak's future, Shearer, speaking to Betfair, said: "There have been reports this week that Newcastle would be willing to take £115m for Alexander Isaak in January. For me, it’s a no.

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""Unless they have a like-for-like, world class replacement ready to come in then it would be crazy to sell him in January and I don't think they will. It's not a viable option."

Gosforth lad Shearer though is looking forward to seeing some investment at the club he loves but fears that a big-name arrival such as Marc Guehi - who Newcastle tried to sign in August - could come at a cost.

United's all-time leading scorer said: "Clearly there's cash available if they were bidding for Marc Guehi but I don't know if that would've meant selling one of the big-hitters in the summer. I don't like the PSR rules and I don't think they're fair or right but that's the situation we're in.

"Newcastle are having an up and down season, the international break came at the wrong time because they had a bit of momentum, were getting results and they didn't need the break.

"They didn't need players flying here, there and everywhere. Clearly that impacted them against West Ham because after 10/15 minutes, they were nowhere near as good as what they have been in the past month."