Eddie Howe makes fresh Alexander Isak admission as Newcastle boss issues 'unhealthy' claim

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted that wantaway striker Alexander Isak, for whom Liverpool has already seen one transfer offer turned down, impacted morale among the rest of his teammates earlier this summer.

"I don't think it's been healthy for us," Howe said, via the BBC. "I don't deny that's been a big challenge. Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world — if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap."

Howe says the situation is "ongoing" but has already ruled Isak out of Newcastle's first match of the new season, against Aston Villa. Behind the scenes, he has made it clear to his players they have to be "more together than ever" as a result of the circumstances.

"I think morale was certainly affected early on during pre-season," Howe said. "There was nothing I could do to affect that — it was always going to be there.

"When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it's difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what's going on and how to react.

"But, as time has gone on, there has been an acceptance that this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation. That's always been my train of thought.

"Whatever situation you're in, you have got to find a way and you can only control what you can control. We have moved forward and I've got to say the atmosphere of the group has been very good in the last couple of weeks."

So far, Newcastle has been unwilling to change its hard stance on not losing Isak, despite the player's desire to leave and move to Anfield.

Liverpool knows that it would take an even bigger offer to sign him than it splashed on Florian Wirtz, but Newcastle has so far been unable to bring in a new striker despite targeting the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap. Brentford's Yoane Wissa remains a wanted man.

However, it isn't wholly surprising. Newcastle went into the transfer window with no CEO or sporting director, with Howe describing that as being "not ideal".

The Magpies have signed Anthony Elanga and Malick Thiaw and are closing in on a deal for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, but the main saga — Isak — continues to rumble on.

Liverpool.com says: Isak, if Newcastle does eventually let him leave, should have been allowed to depart at the start of the summer. That would have saved a lot of hassle for all involved and allowed the North East side to line up replacements.

As it is, if Newcastle does relent, then it will look weak. If he stays, it will likely only be for one more year anyway given how far he has gone in his efforts to depart.

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