Alan Shearer has already given his verdict on Newcastle United 35-goal striker transfer enquiry

According to Mail Online, Chelsea have enquired about signing the Sweden star, who became the first Magpies player since Shearer to surpass the 20-goal mark last season.

Since joining from Real Sociedad for a club-record £63million, the 24-year-old has scored 35 times in 67 appearances, averaging almost a goal every two games. The Blues know it will take a British transfer fee to get Isak out of Newcastle. But even then, United seemed prepared to resist any offers for a striker recognised as one of the best in Europe.

As regularly stated by head coach Howe, the club don’t want to sell either Isak or key another key asset in Bruno Guimaraes after his £100million clause expired earlier this week. Pressures to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) have led to speculation over the pair’s future.

“I'm planning for them (Isak and Guimaraes) to be here,” Howe said in May. “All my planning is with them in the squad. We're looking to build a squad and a really successful team and, to do that, we don't want to sell our best players. That is hugely important for us, it will knock us back some considerable distance because we would have to start again.

‘There is no weakness in the club to say we are going to sell anyone. But, of course, financial fair play is there and we'll have to comply like everyone else. That's why I've said this summer is going to be a very difficult thing to predict. But there is no desire from anyone at the football club to sell our best players.”

Meanwhile, Shearer recently claimed it would be “bonkers” if Newcastle were to offload Isak.

“He’s a very, very good player,” Shearer told The Rest Is Football podcast. “He’s a modern-day forward in terms of the trend we’re seeing now. Rather than a centre-forward, he’s a forward, and a brilliant example of that.

“He’s had one or two injuries this season but, while he’s been on the pitch, he’s been absolutely magnificent. He’s brilliant at running in behind because he’s quick - you’re not catching him.

“He’s also very clever at coming short and dragging defenders with him. He’s an intelligent player and has great ability. They’re sitting on a great asset and it would be bonkers if Newcastle, for whatever reason, sold him in the summer.

“You know what it’s like up here. If you score goals, you’re going to be adored - and the fans absolutely adore him. It would be a kick in the knackers if they sold him.”