Eddie Howe has broken his silence on the future of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who has reportedly asked to leave the club amid interest from Liverpool.
It is fair to say the last few days have been tough for the club from a transfer standpoint. Players are rejecting moves left, right and centre, then to top it all off, your star striker wants to move away.
Alexander Isak is contracted for three more years, but Newcastle United could be forced to sell after the 25-year-old expressed his desire to consider his options this summer.
The Sweden international is coming off the back of a sensational Premier League season, scoring 23 goals. He also scored the winner in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley in March. However, those memories could soon be tarnished if a move away occurs.
Dan Burn does not want Isak to leave Newcastle, citing how it would damage the core group of players. In the meantime, Eddie Howe has finally addressed the situation, and his response was fairly positive.
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Eddie Howe’s interesting response amid Alexander Isak speculation
Whatever happens with Isak, Newcastle are still eager to sign new players this summer and are currently working to make that happen.
Yoane Wissa is in talks with Newcastle, and there is hope the deal can be done with a package worth around £35million on the table. Elsewhere, Benjamin Sesko would be a replacement for Isak if he goes.
The 22-year-old had a promising season in the Bundesliga and reportedly has a gentleman’s agreement to have his asking price lowered. In the meantime, Howe’s response to speculation about Isak can be seen as promising.
Talking to the press about Isak, Howe said: “Of course things are going on behind the scenes. Conversations between Alex, myself and the Club will stay private. Whatever happens has to be for the best for the Club.”
“I hope he stays. It’s football, who knows what the future may bring.”
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Whether Newcastle United are having contract talks with Alexander Isak
Howe’s comments suggest the club are hard at work to try and convince Isak to stay on Tyneside. Hopefully, this situation is just a flash in the pan and not one which will completely derail the Magpies’ season.
A quick way to stop the speculation is for Newcastle to give Isak a new contract. The worry about him leaving would immediately subside and everyone could focus on bringing more success to the club.
Unfortunately, those contract discussions still seem to be a long way off, as Howe confirmed that talks over a new deal are not happening right now and may not even be in the pipeline.
The Newcastle boss said: “There are no contract talks taking place. That will be for a later date potentially.”
Newcastle could get a huge fee for Isak, so while he is still with the club do not want to sell him, but they could recruit much more if they did decide to cash in.
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