Eddie Howe has denied suggestions he promised Alexander Isak he could leave Newcastle United this summer, but indicated it might be in everyone's best interests if the striker departs. Rumours that Howe had told Isak he would be free to join Liverpool once a replacement was signed were dismissed by the manager as 'absolutely not'. Howe stated he never makes promises to players regarding transfers as he is not in control of the whole process.
Newcastle's stance on keeping Isak has softened appreciably after a failed attempt at reconciliation. Club representatives, including minority owner Jamie Reuben and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, visited Isak at his home but were unable to broker a rapprochement. Isak reportedly rejected offers of a lucrative new contract and remains determined not to play for Newcastle again.
Howe admitted the situation may force a sale, saying: 'Of course I would have a preference, but you have to look at all the information. You can't be oblivious to things that have happened.' The manager has not spoken to Isak for about a fortnight, since the striker posted an emotional Instagram post about 'broken promises' before going on strike.
Newcastle's almost-completed £70 million signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart has cleared the way for Liverpool to make a record bid approaching £130 million for Isak. Meanwhile, Howe is pursuing further attacking reinforcements, including Brentford's Yoane Wissa and Wolves' Jørgen Strand Larsen, to partner Woltemade.
Howe confirmed that Woltemade will not be available for Saturday's match at Leeds, where Newcastle are without the suspended Anthony Gordon and the injured Joelinton. However, the squad's morale has strengthened in Isak's absence, with Howe noting: 'The squad dynamic is very strong at the moment. I wouldn't have said that in the first two weeks of pre-season.'
