Eddie Howe has acknowledged that the decision over Alexander Isak's future at Newcastle United is not his to make, as Liverpool circle the Sweden international. The 25-year-old striker, who has three years remaining on his contract, has been training alone after missing the club's pre-season tour to Singapore and South Korea.
Newcastle rejected a £110m offer from Liverpool out of hand, but Isak's situation remains uncertain ahead of the Premier League opener at Aston Villa. Speaking after Saturday's 2-0 friendly defeat to Atlético Madrid, Howe said: 'That's a decision that I won't make, that will be for other people to make.'
Howe added that he is focused on managing the team and preparing for Villa, with other matters outside his control. When asked about a report that Isak had been told he will not be sold, Howe replied: 'That's not something I'm aware of. There's discussions going on all the time that I'm not party to.'
Newcastle, who signed Isak for £63m in 2022, have placed a £150m price tag on him to deter suitors. However, persuading the player to stay may prove difficult, with Howe admitting: 'If it was that easy, I'd have done it yesterday.'
The saga has added urgency to Newcastle's transfer window, which has seen several targets slip away, including Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitiké. Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon limped off with an ankle problem during Saturday's friendly, but Howe said initial indications suggest it is just a twist and he should be fine.
In positive news, Newcastle are close to signing Milan defender Malick Thiaw, though Howe said he was not updated on developments. The move would be a breakthrough after missing out on Dean Huijsen earlier in the window.
