3 hours ago
2
Newcastle United chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan is determined to resolve the Alexander Isak situation at St James' Park - one way or another. Efforts to persuade Isak to remain at Newcastle took place at the striker's residence on Monday, but the Sweden international is maintaining his position and desires to depart the club.
Al-Rumayyan was eager to demonstrate that PIF remain committed to the project - regardless of whether Isak stays or goes - and a display of solidarity is thought to be behind his decision to share a moment with the staff and players last night on the sacred pitch.
Newcastle is yet to receive a follow-up offer for Isak from Liverpool or receive any genuine encouragement regarding a proposal, leaving the club contemplating their next step, which could involve informing the star he may have little option but to remain.
During his post-match press conference last night, Howe declared that he only wished to concentrate on players "committed" to remaining on Tyneside just hours after Isak had met with the Newcastle chairman and director Jamie Reuben, reports Chronicle Live.
Al-Rumayyan made his way down the tunnel from the stands and onto the pitch at full-time and was accompanied by a delegation from PIF who wished to demonstrate their backing for Howe and his squad.
However, a financial gesture is expected to follow and everyone at the club is concentrated on ensuring Newcastle is furnished with the appropriate players for the opening half of the season.
Club sources also clarified that the decision to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen was to replace Callum Wilson, not to arrive as a reaction to Isak potentially being sold.
When asked why Al-Rumayyan was in town, Howe responded last night: "I don't know why he's here in the sense of if that's the main reason. He's here, obviously, to watch the team and support the team and show his presence, which is much-appreciated from my perspective and much-loved by everyone when he's here and connecting with the players.
"He's the owner, he's the most important person in terms of directing which decisions we make, but as I said, I'm not party to any conversations that have happened today, so I've got no idea what direction that's in."
Howe might be short of four players for the journey to Leeds United, as three stars have been sidelined due to injuries and Anthony Gordon begins a three-match suspension.
Fabian Schar is grappling with concussion, Sandro Tonali has an arm injury, and Joelinton hobbled off with a groin issue.
All three are questionable for the match at Elland Road on Saturday night, but it could provide an opportunity for Jacob Ramsey and Malick Thiaw to make their full debuts, while Miley will also be eager to start.
Given the shortage of strikers at St James' Park, Gordon's ban is the last thing Howe needs, but he can at least draw some comfort from William Osula's first goal of the season.
English (US) ·