Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer says he had no concerns about Alexander Isak's short-term future at St. James' Park despite a reported interest from Arsenal and Barcelona. The Swedish striker is one of, if not the best all-round strikers in world football with 17 goals and five assists in 21 Premier League outings so far this season.

The Magpies have no intention of selling their star man this month, or in the summer, with Isak a key component in the Toon's quest for silverware. So much so, Newcastle are reportedly set to offer him a new deal at the end of the current campaign.

Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: "I'm not on the inside when it comes to Newcastle's business, but for me, there was never a chance that Newcastle were ever going to let Alexander Isak go, for obvious reasons. They couldn't replace him, even if they sold him for ridiculous money.

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"I don't think there was ever any time when he thought or expected anything else other than being at Newcastle and keeping going the way he is. There was no part of me that was ever thinking Newcastle could or would sell him.

"I'm not making it up and I'm not being disingenuous to say that I don't think anyone could afford him either.

"When you see Jhon Duran possibly go for £70 million or €80 million, then what does that make Alexander Isak? Nobody in this league could afford him, and why would he go anywhere else?"

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe confirmed that the Magpies wouldn't add to their squad this month and Shearer hasn't been taken by surprise by the lack of incomings this month. The Toon legend added: "I didn't really expect anything big from Newcastle in this transfer window, maybe one or two outgoings which has happened but nothing big.

"In terms of incomings, there hasn't been anything different to what I thought would happen.

"They laid their cards on the table, and were clear that they couldn't bring anyone big in during this window for obvious reasons and they had to get rid of three or four.

"Miguel Almiron has been great for Newcastle, I think he epitomised everything great about the team in terms of giving everything he had for the football club and everyone wishes him well."