Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer has called on his former club to accept Alexander Isak's departure should the Swedish forward wish to join Liverpool.
The Premier League's all-time leading scorer believes the Magpies must be prepared to let their striker go if his heart is set on an Anfield move.
Shearer acknowledged Isak's valuable contributions at St James' Park while maintaining a pragmatic view of the situation.
He emphasised that Newcastle should secure the best possible fee and progress without the 24-year-old.
Alan Shearer has not be happy with how the Newcastle striker has acted this summer
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The former England captain's comments come as Liverpool continue their pursuit of Isak following an unsuccessful initial offer over the weekend.
Shearer expressed his understanding of the situation, stating: "I'm not angry at all towards him. Do I like it? Do I understand it? Probably two different things. But I know what football's about and I know how it works."
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"And if it really is impossible for Eddie to turn him around and he says 'no' and it sounds like that is the case, 'I want to be out now' you get your big money for him and then you move on," Shearer explained.
He concluded on The Rest is Football: "No individual is bigger than any football club and if he doesn't want to be there, fine, get what you can and get him out and say thanks very much for the memories. Off you go."
The Sweden international has been notably absent from Newcastle's pre-season programme, citing a thigh problem as the reason for his non-participation.
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Alexander Isak did not travel with Newcastle for their pre-season fixtures
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Rather than joining his teammates for summer preparations, Isak spent the previous week working on his fitness independently at Real Sociedad, his former Spanish club.
His return to Newcastle's training facility on Monday sparked speculation about his immediate future. According to reports, the striker was scheduled to hold discussions with manager Eddie Howe regarding his intentions for the season ahead.
Liverpool's interest remains strong despite their opening offer being turned down by Newcastle at the weekend. The Merseyside club are reportedly preparing a renewed bid for the forward's services.
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The Newcastle legend suggested that Liverpool or the player's representatives had made contact, though he anticipated such interest might have materialised next summer instead.
Newcastle's transfer window has proved particularly frustrating beyond the Isak situation. The club pursued several attacking options without success, watching targets slip through their fingers to rival Premier League sides.
Manchester City striker Liam Delap, Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo and former PSG forward Hugo Ekitike were all linked with moves to Tyneside. Each player ultimately signed for other English top-flight clubs instead.
Alan Shearer has not liked how Newcastle has navigated this transfer window
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Goalkeeper James Trafford represented another missed opportunity after Manchester City opted to bring their academy product back to the Etihad last month. Newcastle had identified the England international as a potential addition to their squad.
Reflecting on these setbacks, Shearer offered a blunt assessment: "I think up to now it's been a disastrous window for Newcastle."