Eddie Howe provides latest update on Alexander Isak transfer saga

Eddie Howe has confirmed that Newcastle are seeking a resolution to the ongoing Alexander Isak transfer saga.

The Swedish striker missed the Magpies’ Premier League opener against Aston Villa, which ended in a 0-0 draw, partly because he was excluded from training after refusing to attend pre-season following the club’s rejection of a £110million bid from Liverpool.

Isak has reportedly told Newcastle that he will no longer play for the team, and Howe admitted that the situation has had an impact on the squad.

Howe said: “We’re keen for a resolution because the consistent noise around the team isn’t helpful for any team.

“We’re aware of that, we would like closure on it, but we’re not in charge of when.”

Adding more on the story of the summer, Howe said: “We had to change the narrative around us really because everything was negative and sometimes that can consume you.

“We’ve consistently had players here that have fought really hard for the club in difficult circumstances before and we’ve always come through as a better team for it.

“This is a unique situation and a difficult situation for the players to handle but today I think they were brilliant in their response.

“Today was going to be the true judge, pre-season is always a bit forced, so it was a brilliant response. I’m disappointed we didn’t win but there were so many positives to take.”

Howe was then asked whether the resolution would involve Isak being replaced in the transfer market or reintegrated into the first team.

“I don’t know the answer to be honest. I’ve got no guarantee,” he responded.

“We are active in the market but I think you could see today by what happened on the pitch, Anthony Gordon looked very good as a centre forward, he had chances and induced a sending off with his pace.

“So I’d rather focus on the players we have here. I’m sure the situation off the pitch will take care of itself and we’ll find out where we are pretty soon.”

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