3 weeks ago
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Eddie Howe has admitted Newcastle faces a tough task in keeping hold of its best players as Liverpool could be dragged back into a transfer for Alexander Isak.
The Reds had looked to have moved on after being met with a firm response to their approach for the 25-year-old, with a deal for Hugo Ekitike now looking as though it is on the verge of being completed.
But a major twist on Saturday saw Isak dropped for Newcastle’s pre-season friendly against Celtic, with Howe sending him home and admitting the decision had been made due to the recent speculation surrounding his future.
That may well pique Liverpool’s interest once again, with Isak still seen as the dream option as a new striker, even if a move for him seemed to be off the table just a few days ago.
And the Reds will take further encouragement from more of Howe’s comments on Saturday, with the Newcastle boss admitting his club is not in a position to stand in a player’s way should a big offer arrive.
"Finances play a big part, anyone who doesn't say that is deluded,” Howe said (as per Chronicle Live).
"It would be wrong to put that on each and every player, each situation is different.
"But we can't and aren't the biggest payers in the league because we don't generate the most income.
"So we have to fall in line with PSR and be very smart with what we do. We have to control the wages of the players we have and that all plays a part in who we can attract."
Howe though did reiterate Newcastle’s stance on Isak, with the club looking to keep hold of Isak this summer, while also revealing he is expected to travel with the Magpies on their tour of Asia in the coming days.
"I absolutely expect Alex to be in Singapore and South Korea, and playing in the games over there. Absolutely, yeah,” Howe added.
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"Is the desire to keep him right through the club? Absolutely, yeah, absolutely."
Liverpool.com says: Well this has taken an interesting turn, hasn’t it? If you were a Newcastle fan, Howe’s comments wouldn’t exactly fill you with hope about Isak.
All eyes will be on what happens with him and that tour of Asia. If he’s dropped for more games, expect the speculation to ramp up even more.
Having said all that, Liverpool would be left in a tricky position if it turns out a move for Isak could be possible. Ekitike looks set to complete a move to Anfield, and as incredible as it would be to sign both strikers, it does seem unlikely.
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