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Liverpool transfer target Alexander Isak would be welcomed back into the fold with open arms after his period of absence, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has insisted.
All summer, Isak has wanted to move to Liverpool with Newcastle standing in his way. And this week, the tensions increased again with the player issuing a statement on social media accusing his current employer of breaking promises made to him.
Last weekend, the Newcastle away end at Villa Park turned on Isak, loudly labeling him as "greedy" at the final whistle. Nevertheless, Howe is confident that both his teammates and supporters would be fine with Isak performing a U-turn.
"There’s no doubt how the players will feel," Howe said. "I think they will feel the same way I do... if Alex decided to come and play for us, the players would welcome him back."
Earlier in the press conference, he had said: "The relationship between our fans and Isak can still be good. The fans will always react to the way a player plays.
"There is always two sides to a story. We will see where we are in a week’s time. I hope I can work with him again."
Isak missed the opening weekend because he remains on strike. The Newcastle forward is also going to sit out the game with Liverpool on Monday. The Magpies then travel to Leeds United a week on Saturday.
"[Isak's social media statement] was a sad moment," Howe said. "My preference is that these things do not happen publicly. They are better dealt with behind closed doors.
"But needs must (re Newcastle's statement in response). The club has spoken, and justifiably so in that moment. He’s contracted to us. He’s our player.
"My wish is that he would be playing on Monday night with us. He won’t be, and that’s regrettable at this moment.
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"But 100 per cent, I want him back in a Newcastle shirt. It is disappointing I am having to mention this at length and taking us away from the football.
"The players have done well to blank it all out. But it is there in the background, and it is regrettable that we are in this situation."
Liverpool.com says: Isak has gone so far down the line with his attempts to force an exit that a return to playing for Newcastle seems a long way away. It might be possible eventually, but it won't be a quick process. For a start, he won't be matchfit having missed most of the summer training alone.
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