2 weeks ago
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Eddie Howe has given a fresh update on Alexander Isak’s situation at Newcastle United and revealed the club is yet to receive an offer for the wantaway Swede.
The forward remained in the north east last week as the Magpies jetted off to Asia for three pre-season friendlies. The official reason given for his absence was a minor thigh injury, but reports have claimed that scans on the leg problem came back clear.
It comes amid interest from Liverpool. The Premier League champions, who signed Hugo Ekitike last week, enquired about Isak earlier this window but saw the tentative approach knocked back. Amid the uncertainty surrounding his future, Liverpool is yet to return with an official bid.
“We have not received a formal offer for Alex from any club. My wish is he stays and we see him playing again next year,” Howe said on Tuesday, ahead of the friendly match against a K-League XI.
“We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that's not in my full control,” the former Bournemouth boss added.
Asked whether he has discussed the situation with the club’s hierarchy, Howe replied: “No, I haven't. Mainly for the fact I've been traveling and today we've been working on the training for this afternoon.
“With these trips, they are always so intense. Of course, I'm in contact with the people I need to be in contact with back at home, but it's very minimal contact when you're away.”
Isak’s future is becoming an increasingly pressing topic for Howe, who has now spoken on the matter three times during Newcastle’s short period in Asia.
The player has reportedly made it clear to the Magpies that he wishes to leave the club this summer. Howe last week revealed there are no talks regarding a new contract, while reports have indicated that the club’s chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan will ultimately decide whether to let Isak leave.
The former Real Sociedad would likely cost a British record transfer fee of north of £130 million ($173M), potentially even up to £150 million ($200M), if reports are to be believed.
It comes as Liverpool forward Luis Diaz is set to leave the Reds. A €75M ($87M/£65M) fee has been agreed between the clubs and the Colombian is set to undergo a medical in Bavaria on Tuesday.
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