Eddie Howe shares Alexander Isak update after Liverpool transfer interest - 'Not deluded'

Howe and Isak

Alexander Isak will not be joining the Newcastle United squad at all for the pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea.

The striker continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool.

The Sweden international was one of the standout players in the Premier League last season and the Reds were tentatively mentioned as potential suitors for him earlier in the summer transfer window.

However, reports about a potential move have ramped up in recent weeks.

Even after signing Hugo Ekitike in a £79 million deal, the Reds are interested in a move for Isak and the player himself has made it clear he would be keen on a new challenge.

The news represents a potential major blow to Newcastle as they prepare for the new season.

Isak missed the friendly loss to Celtic and was not included in the traveling squad for the clash in Singapore against Arsenal on Sunday.

Speaking after that 3-2 loss, Howe spoke about the state of his squad after a number of transfer near misses this summer.

Howe

"We're not deluded," he said. "We know we need to bring players in. We've known that. We know what we wanted. It's been a challenging window.

When asked specifically about Isak and the chances of him joining the squad for the upcoming games in South Korea, the Newcastle boss responded "no chance."