4 months ago
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Newcastle United is yet to receive a fresh bid from Liverpool for unsettled Sweden forward Alexander Isak.
Eddie Howe confirmed on Friday that Isak remains training in isolation and will not be considered for the trip to Aston Villa, despite the manager's efforts to persuade him to reconsider his stance.
Howe maintained that Newcastle stay busy in the market and it is understood that the Magpies are pursuing TWO forwards. During his inaugural Premier League press briefing of the campaign, the Toon chief stated that - as matters stand - he anticipates Isak will stay as a United player given he remains "contracted" to Newcastle.
Howe, addressing reporters ahead of the Aston Villa clash, said: "No, there has been no change, all my focus has been on training and Villa and the transfer front.", reports Chronicle Live.
"That is all-consuming, Alex's situation has been unchanged for a while, and that will continue to be the case.
"I said many times this summer, I want him to train, I want him to play. But I think those conversations need to remain private.
"I've had a great relationship with Alex. You need that with every player. I take my part in that relationship really seriously. I have to work really closely with the player to his benefit."
Howe emphasized that he was attempting to recruit a new forward regardless of whether Isak remains or departs and commented: "We are looking to sign a striker and the best one we can.
"It's a very small field, though. Irrespective of Isak's situation, we need to sign a striker."
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When questioned about Isak's future at the club, Howe responded: "At the moment I would say yes but I've had no change of feeling throughout the summer. He's contracted to us but it's out of my hands."
Howe is keen to concentrate on the season's opening match, and while new signing Jacob Ramsey won't be available yet as he completes his medical today, Malick Thiaw will be involved along with fresh signings Aaron Ramsdale and Anthony Elanga.
Howe expressed: "I think the players are now ready to play and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead.
"I think everybody is available apart from Joe Willock, and he is not too far away himself.
"We have a relatively full squad. The majority have had good minutes on the pitch.
"Malick will be part of the squad. He's trained for two days. It's never easy coming in at the end of pre-season when our work is almost done but in the little bits we've seen, we've signed a top quality player."
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