Eddie Howe has indicated that Alexander Isak's Newcastle United exit is close to being resolved, with the striker set to miss Monday's Premier League match against Liverpool. The 25-year-old has been training alone after releasing a statement accusing the club of breaking promises, which Newcastle denied in their own statement.
Speaking ahead of the clash at St James' Park, Howe confirmed Isak will not be involved. "He won't be part of the squad this weekend," he said. "The club has to act in the best interests of Newcastle United. It looks like it is coming to an end, or it will come to an end pretty quickly."
Howe expressed regret over the public nature of the dispute. "It was a sad moment. My preference is these things do not happen publicly," he said. "He's contracted to us. He's our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday. He won't be and that's regrettable. But 100 per cent I want him back in a Newcastle shirt."
Newcastle are understood to be seeking attacking reinforcements, with Brentford's Yoane Wissa and Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen identified as targets. The club's statement maintained that the conditions for Isak's sale have not been met, but Liverpool, who had a £110million bid rejected earlier this month, have not given up hope. Arne Slot said: "If we think there is a player who can really make us better then this club has always shown they can bring them in."
In his public statement, Isak said: "Promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now - and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself."
