Eddie Howe has issued an update on Alexander Isak's immediate future following Newcastle United's pre-season loss to Arsenal in Singapore.
Isak seeks Newcastle exitNot with squad for pre-season tourHowe issues update on strikerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Days after Isak expressed his desire to leave Newcastle this summer, Howe's team fell to a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in Southeast Asia on Sunday. The Sweden international is not with the Magpies due to a thigh problem, and now manager Howe has added that the 25-year-old will not join them in Singapore.
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When asked about the likelihood of Isak linking up with the Newcastle squad in the coming days, Howe replied: "No, no chance."
The former Bournemouth boss added: "Of course, we're not deluded. We know that we need to bring players in, we've known that for a long time. At the tail end of last season, we did all the work we wanted. It’s been a challenging transfer window, let’s see what we can do.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Newcastle have been rocked by Isak's desire to leave but reportedly want around £150 million ($201.5m) for his services. Liverpool are keen on recruiting the Swede, and so are Saudi Pro League teams, although a move there is less likely. If Isak is sold, Newcastle need to act swiftly in the transfer market to replace him and strengthen the squad.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?
While this Isak transfer saga rumbles on, Newcastle's pre-season campaign continues with fixtures against a South Korean K-League XI on Wednesday, followed by a clash with Tottenham next Sunday.