[Newcastle United](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/newcastle-united-fc) boss Eddie Howe is confident that Alexander Isak will sign a new contract at St James' Park - when the time is right.
Howe, facing the southern media in his press conference, was grilled by questions surrounding Isak's future despite the striker having a contract until 2028. Arsenal are known admirers of the hat-trick hero but Howe believes that he will stay at Newcastle "long-term".
The head coach was asked if PSR struggles mean that Newcastle would soon be forced into a sale for the striker. Howe, speaking after the game, said: "It makes me laugh! There is no part of me or anyone who wants to let Alex go. He is very much part of our long-term plans. Personally I don't see that being an issue.
Howe was then asked if he needed to sell the club's plans with the likes of Arsenal interested in him. He added: "I don't think necessarily at this stage that we have to. He is motivated and he wants to do well. He has big aspirations for his career. He is still relatively young and still has a bright future ahead of him.
"I know his desire to score goals is second to none. Every conversation I had about Newcastle concerning his future with him has been very positive. I would love for him, and other players, to be the man who contributes to us winning a trophy. That is the aim."
Howe then became involved in a series of questions on whether Isak had indeed been in contract talks and if they'd stalled or not, adding: "I don't think contract talks started. That is the issue. If you are going to say they stalled, how can they. They never started.
"He has a long contract. I am sure when the time comes it will be discussed by Alex's representatives and the football club. But I don't know too much more."
In a game in which Newcastle saw the very best from Isak in this pre [Christmas](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/all-about/christmas) fixture, Howe indicated that getting the service right to the man who is now just four shy of a half century for United was a big factor.
He finished by saying: "There's no doubting his quality. We just needed to get the framework of the team right to give him the opportunity to score. He has really responded well. The goals today just show his class and coolness in front of goal. With his speed and his technical ability, he has a bit of everything.