The very latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip amid intense speculation around Alexander Isak's future.
Eddie Howe and Alexander Isak.
Eddie Howe has given the latest on the transfer saga around Alexander Isak.
(Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire.)
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted the situation surrounding Liverpool target, Alexander Isak, has been a big challenge for him during pre-season. The Reds saw a £110million bid for the striker turned down by Newcastle earlier this month.
Newcastle are remaining strong in their stance that Isak is not for sale this summer, despite claims of a £150million price tag. The player himself is keen on the move, and will not play a part in the club's season opener against Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon (12.30pm).
Isak has, reportedly, made it clear that he won't play for Newcastle again in what is turning into somewhat of a standoff. Speaking ahead of the Premier League opening weekend, Howe has now opened up on what the saga has been like so far.
"It's not been ideal, I don't think it's been healthy for us, I'm not gonna deny it's been a big, big challenge," he told BBC Sport.
"For me, Alex is one of the, if not the best, strikers in the world.
"So, if you miss him from your squad it's a huge gap.
"The situation is ongoing, but we'll have to find a way without him."
The Newcastle manager has, also, spoken about the impact that the situation has had on other players within his squad. "The morale was certainly affected early on during pre-season," he added.
“There's no denying that. And there was nothing I could do, really, to affect that.
"It was always going to be there.
"When you've got a player that good, not part of your group, it's difficult for the players to sort of fully understand it and know what's going on and then sort of know how to react to it.
"But I think as time has gone on, there's been a sort of acceptance that this is the squad and we've got to make the best of this situation. That's always been my train of thought. Whatever situation you're in, you've got to find a way, and you can only ever control what you can control."
For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Get all the major headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.
We're also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.
Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo's free daily and weekly newsletters on Liverpool FC by clicking here.