Eddie Howe gives 'complex' update on Isak Liverpool transfer on major admission

Alexander Isak is Liverpool’s latest target in what has been a lucrative summer recruitment drive and Eddie Howe has spoken out on the situation after the Reds had their opening bid rejected

Eddie Howe admits he is clueless over where Alexander Isak’s future lies after Liverpool’s rejected bid. The Newcastle star has emerged as the Reds’ next big-money target of their lucrative summer recruitment drive.

Isak remains away from the rest of his Magpies teammates, who are in the middle of their pre-season tour of Asia, after requesting to leave St James’ Park. Liverpool made their first effort to sign him earlier this week having lodged a £110m bid.

That was immediately rebuffed by Newcastle, who want closer to £150m, with Liverpool now prepared to walk away from any potential deal if they feel it can't be done. Amid the drama, Howe has given an update and said that he has had no contact with his star striker, while he cannot predict his immediate future.

“I know where he is, really, through the media," Howe said in a press conference in Seoul. “From that perspective, it’s difficult for me to go into any kind of detail. The situation is far from ideal and is quite complex.’

On Liverpool’s rejected offer, the Newcastle boss added: “I was made aware of a bid yesterday (Friday) and that bid was turned down, all before I’d even heard about it.

“People back in England are dealing with the situation. I don’t know what happens next. From our perspective, we still support Alex in every way and my wish is that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.”

Asked if Liverpool’s interest had unsettled Isak ahead of the new season, Howe replied: “It’s difficult, because you don’t know what is going to happen from this point. We can only deal with the reality. The reality is we had a first bid from Liverpool and I believe that was turned down. From this point onwards, let’s see what happens.

“In terms of trying to upset players and all that kind of stuff, from my perspective, we can only talk about our conduct. We try to do things in the right way. Signing players is always complex. We just try to do what we think is right. I can’t talk about other clubs, that’s not for me to say.”

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And while Howe has remained somewhat calm, it appears that is not the same behind the scenes. As per Mail Online, some have claimed Liverpool have ‘strung along’ the Newcastle star and ultimately ‘bottled’ a deal.

But club chiefs do have some sympathy for the forward, who they believe has been badly advised amid the transfer furore.