16 hours ago
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Eddie Howe said that he was not aware of talks that reportedly took place between Newcastle's owners and Alexander Isak ahead of Monday's game against Liverpool at St. James' Park.
It was reported by the Daily Mail that Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben and director Jacobo Solis had spoken with the Sweden international about the possibility of him ending his self-imposed exile from Howe's squad.
Isak has not played for Newcastle since before the club's pre-season tour of China amid his desire to leave the club, with Liverpool his favored destination.
It is claimed that a new contract would be up for discussion were Isak to agree to return for Newcastle. Howe was asked after Newcastle's dramatic defeat by Liverpool about those apparent discussions, but he gave the question short shrift.
"I wasn't aware of that," Howe told Sky Sports. "Talks have been going on since Alex went on the tour. I focus on coaching the team so I've got no update for you."
Newcastle issued a statement last week saying the conditions of a possible sale of Isak had not been met, and in any case, the club's preference has always been to keep him.
At the start of last week, Isak accused Newcastle of "breaking promises" as he suggested the club had agreed that he could leave during the off-season.
The striker missed Newcastle's Premier League opener against Aston Villa last weekend and for Monday's game against Liverpool.
Ahead of the game between Newcastle and Liverpool, Magpies boss Howe said that he maintains a good relationship with Isak despite the ongoing transfer saga.
"I haven't seen him this week but when I see him we speak as normal, there are no issues there," said Howe. "It's a difficult situation from both sides and it's far from ideal for both parties.
"When we bump into each other we speak, but as I say I've not seen him this week as he's training later on and detached from the group. We will catch up at some stage and hopefully speak soon."
Asked whether he hoped Isak would eventually be integrated back into the Newcastle squad, he responded: "Yes, of course.
"He's contracted to us, he's our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday night with us. But he won't be and that's regrettable.
"I have no doubt about how the players will feel [about Isak returning]. They will feel the same way I do. Alex is a fantastic player, he's a good person, a good character and a good lad.
"If Alex wanted to come back and play for us, the players would welcome him."
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