Alexander Isak is attempting to force through a move to Liverpool this summer, but Newcastle boss Eddie Howe remains hopeful the striker could stay at St James' Park
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has revealed he may make another attempt to persuade Alexander Isak to stay. Isak is holding out for a move to Liverpool and is set to miss Newcastle's first game of the new Premier League season as a result.
However, Howe has refused to rule out the possibility of the striker playing for Newcastle again. When asked if there is a way back for Isak, Howe told reporters: "Yes, I believe there is. But, of course, discussions and talks would need to take place for that to happen.
"But, again, that's for another day. Today is Aston Villa and making sure we perform as well as we can. I understand why your questions are filled with that subject but it doesn't really help us at this moment."
However, he also conceded that the ball is very much in Isak's court when asked if there is a chance the 25-year-old will return to action before the transfer window shuts, Howe replied: "I don't know.
"As I sit here now I don't know that. Alex will control that. You want to see him with the squad, you want to see him happy and enjoying his football. He is contracted to us. He is here, so for me that (him training alone) is an unfortunate situation.
"Me and Alex have enjoyed a great relationship and I don't think he'd have done as well as he's done without that, and without his teammates and the supporters and the backing of the whole football club,
"He recognises that as well. He's a highly intelligent person and he knows he wouldn't have the success here without everybody connected with Newcastle. This is a different moment for him and us and we're working through that together."
Newcastle are set to fine Isak for refusing to feature against Aston Villa, with Howe admitting that the saga has had a major effect on the club's preparations for the new season. "I don't think it's been healthy for us," he said.
"I don't deny that's been a big challenge. Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world - if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap. When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it's difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what's going on and how to react.
"But, as time has gone on, there has been an acceptance this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation. That's always been my train of thought.
"Whatever situation you're in, you have got to find a way and you can only control what you can control. We have moved forward and I've got to say the atmosphere of the group has been very good in the last couple of weeks."
Simcdelnty
1
please can you leave him and go
Gasman29
1
Newcastle let my boy go Hope you read your bible well Don’t be stubborn
Kaobcekprz
0
Let isak to go, we know if he’s a white you won’t hold him down like this
cibemprsuy
1
ma livers
pemmy4all
0
not maturity, it's called low self esteem
Hmmmnnnn.... Amorim's very high self esteem will win him nothing. There's a reason why people like Ancelloti, who are renowned for their people management skills, are the best managers ever. Even abrasive Mourinho wouldn't be as daft in managing ego like Amorim.
Kiaadekpz
0
The boy has to stay. We The Magpies still want him
Richard0010
1
than give them money they want.
Then keep unhappy player and see who will loose at last
mrliverpool1
0
Isak please keep your agreement with club
would you say that if it's your club wanting to buy him ,hypocrite
mrliverpool1
0
The maturity of this manager is something I admire. The player is throwing tantrums, refusing to play, yet he hasn't for one day maligned the player. In all, he left a way for reconciliation. Unlike Amorim. That one would have scattered all relationship. There would be no way back into the team by now if Amorim is the one managing Newcastle.
not maturity, it's called low self esteem
mapbcelt
0
Gyokeres did same and we didn't see this outrage simply because he is not white. Shame
it's not because of race. sporting fans were angry with gyokeres, but they aren't famous enough to make the news
mapbcelt
1
How about on agreement with football club it’s not correct decision
Newcastle sold sean longstaff, who is frim Newcastle and a fan of the club, loved playing there, had a contract, wanted to stay, but the club wanted to sell him. now he's gone. it works both ways, remember that
pemmy4all
1
The maturity of this manager is something I admire. The player is throwing tantrums, refusing to play, yet he hasn't for one day maligned the player. In all, he left a way for reconciliation. Unlike Amorim. That one would have scattered all relationship. There would be no way back into the team by now if Amorim is the one managing Newcastle.
momenhuda
0
Let him go, if he’s a white you won’t hold him down like this
than give them money they want.
BieberSmith
3
just leave him alone
Yenbcdmop
1
Isak please keep your agreement with club
Yenbcdmop
0
How about on agreement with football club it’s not correct decision
Widbiltz
4
He has made up his mind, #freeIsak
Widbiltz
1
Gyokeres did same and we didn't see this outrage simply because he is not white. Shame
thank you brother
PrincePowell
0
Let him go, if he’s a white you won’t hold him down like this
that
doklpuy
6
Gyokeres did same and we didn't see this outrage simply because he is not white. Shame
pekacdelrz
2
let him go
Zuwabesz
2
let him leave
Richard0010
5
Let him go, if he’s a white you won’t hold him down like this
Supiklnprs
1
broken heart paaooo
Supiklnprs
1
masa the boy will not play for you , release him .
Beucirstuz
1
why u can't leave him to go away please leave him him
Beucirstuz
0
please leave him go away