Newcastle have a decision to make over Isak, admits Howe

Eddie Howe admits Newcastle United have a decision to make over the future of wantaway striker Alexander Isak, though he hopes the Swede will stay.

Isak has not joined his Newcastle team-mates for their pre-season tour of Asia, which begins with a match against Arsenal in Singapore on Sunday.

Last season's EFL Cup winners chose a 30-man squad for the tour, which will also include games against a K-League XI and Tottenham Hotspur, but they said Isak had remained on Tyneside to receive treatment for a "minor thigh injury".

However, reports on Thursday claimed Isak had told Newcastle of his desire to explore a move, with Liverpool linked with an ambitious swoop for the Sweden striker.

Liverpool have already spent over £260m on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong ahead of their Premier League title defence, but they are reportedly pursuing Isak amid suggestions Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez could be sold.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Howe outlined his hope that Isak had not played his final game for the Magpies.

"Of course there are things going on behind the scenes. Conversations that happen between Alex and ourselves, and Alex and the club, will stay private," Howe said.

"He is very popular in the dressing room and we would love him to continue his journey at Newcastle. I certainly hope he stays. It's football, who knows what the future will bring."

Reports have said Isak is unwilling to sign a new contract at St James' Park, with his current deal due to run until 2028, but Howe says Newcastle are not currently in talks with him.

"As far as I'm aware, I don't think there are any contract talks taking place at the moment. That'll be for a later date potentially," he said.

Newcastle reportedly want at least £130m to part ways with Isak, who last year became the first Newcastle player to score 23 goals in a Premier League campaign since Alan Shearer in 2001-02 (also 23).

Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes admitted on Friday that Isak would be a major loss, but Howe insists his players have not been distracted by the speculation.

"I don't think we are distracted. We are here and we are focused. I have experienced it many times," Howe said. "I've sold players throughout my managerial career. 

"There is a wider picture; there is a football club that has to make the decision. Whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle. We are in a strong position financially and we are determined to be successful.

"I wouldn't put a timescale on it. It has to be right for the football club, and they will make the right decision with all the information they have.

"It's up to us to make good decisions the other way and to improve the squad, regardless of Alex's situation. We want stability and the group to have a really good feeling."