EDDIE HOWE admits Newcastle need to “make a decision” on the future of Alexander Isak.
But the Toon boss has insisted that any negotiation for their £150m-rated star striker must be in the best interests of the club.
Isak, 25, is understood to have told the Newcastle hierarchy that he wants to leave this summer and will not sign an extension on his current deal that expires in 2028.
Having not travelled on the club’s Asia pre-season tour with a reported thigh strain, Liverpool are said to be preparing a world-record bid to lure Isak to Anfield.
Sunsport understands that Saudi side Al-Hilal have offered him a £32million-a-year deal — but his heart is set on Liverpool.
Quizzed on Isak’s future hours after landing in Singapore, Howe said: “There’s always big decisions to make when you’re at Newcastle. That goes with the territory.
“I wouldn’t put a timescale on it. With these situations, it has to be right for the football club.
“Obviously, everything is taken into context below that, but the club will make the right decision with all the information that it has.
“Ultimately, to try and move the club forward in whatever way that is. Then it’s up to us to make good decisions the other way and try and improve the squad as best we can.
“That’s what we’re trying to do, regardless of Alex’s situation. Of course, we want stability and we want the group to have a really good feeling.
“We are in a very strong position financially. We are determined to be successful.
“We are ambitious. We’ve got a great season ahead of us. We need to add to the squad and continue to improve.
“And if the journey can continue to an upward trajectory, I think that’s what we all want. So that’s what we’re battling to try and achieve.”
Liverpool have recently signed Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike for £79m, but are still open to breaking the bank for Isak – who has also been monitored by Arsenal.
Isak pulled out of Newcastle’s 4-0 friendly defeat to Celtic last weekend through injury, which coincided with rumours of his departure ramping up.
Howe continued: “I have to say, the feeling during pre-season has been as good as any other.
“I don’t think we’re distracted. We’re here, we’re focused and we’re working hard.
“Of course there are things going on behind the scenes. [Isak] will be aware, he’s in the news every day and I’m sure that’s not easy for anyone in that situation.
“I’m not actually having daily contact with anyone connected with the board, we’re out here, it’s been a whirlwind here in the sense of training and the intensity of what we’re doing.
“So, that’s for other people to deal with back home. I’ve got 30 players here that I need to look out for and to prepare the team as best we can.
“We do share a really good relationship with him. He’s been magnificent for us since he’s joined. He’s very popular in the dressing room.
“We’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle. Hopefully he’ll be back playing the black and white shirt, that’s what we all want to see.”
On whether Isak is close to signing a new deal at St James’ Park, Howe added: “As far as I am aware, I don’t think there are any contract talks taking place at the moment.
“That would be for a later date potentially. With the situation as it is, there’s still so much that could happen.
“I said against Celtic after the game, I certainly hope he stays. I said I was confident that he’d stay.
“I don’t see anything that’s going to change that opinion of mine at the moment.
“But it’s football, and who knows what the future may bring.”
Read the full article here