Eddie Howe speaks out on Alexander Isak future as Newcastle striker eyes Liverpool move

Eddie Howe

Eddie Howe admits he is unsure if Alexander Isak will remain a Newcastle United player beyond the summer transfer window after the Liverpool-linked striker made clear his intentions to leave St James' Park this week.

Isak, who scored 23 Premier League goals last season, was left off the Magpies' tour of Singapore earlier this week, with a thigh strain cited as the reason for his omission after he also sat out last week's 4-0 friendly defeat to Celtic in Glasgow.

It has been widely reported this week that Isak would now like to explore his options away from St James' Park and the Magpies are believed to be braced for a potential British-record offer from Liverpool, who had earlier enquired about the striker's availability only to be told he wasn't for sale.

Howe, speaking in Singapore, was unable to confirm that Newcastle's hardline stance would see their star man stay in the North East for the coming campaign but refused to divulge further details about his conversations with Isak.

Howe said

“Of course there’s things going on behind the scenes,“

”I mean he will be aware he’s in the news every day, and I’m sure that’s not easy for anyone in that situation.

“Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons. “

“We do share a really good relationship with him. He’s been magnificent for us for as long as he’s joined. He’s very popular in the dressing room.

“We’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle, and all I would say on the broader picture is whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle.”

Liverpool were reportedly willing to offer Newcastle a British-record fee of £120m for Isak earlier this month but have recently taken their summer spree to around £295m with the £79m addition of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt