Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is wanting to join Liverpool in the summer transfer window but the Reds' opening offer was rejected
Alexander Isak shakes hands with Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe
Alexander Isak shakes hands with Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe
(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has insisted that there is a chance that Alexander Isak returns into the fold at St James' Park despite his desire to join Liverpool in the summer transfer window. Earlier this summer, Isak informed the Magpies that he wished to leave and Liverpool quickly submitted a bid thought to be worth approximately £110m.
This offer was rejected by Newcastle to such an extent that the Reds have not felt inclined to bid again as of yet. With the situation remaining complex, Isak appears to have been frozen out in the north east and is currently training away from the first team squad.
In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Howe confirmed that the Swede will not feature in the Premier League opener against Aston Villa this weekend.
While the situation looks bleak from a Newcastle perspective, Howe has told The Times this week that situation is not irretrievable.
He said: “We have a bit of time (to find a replacement). The issue we have is that we haven’t just lost Alex but also Callum Wilson from last season so we are definitely actively looking to recruit.”
Before he added: "The word irretrievable isn’t really in my dictionary. I think communication is going to be the key.
"At the moment, we are in a position where he is not available but I’d like to think that we will be able to reassess as the situation develops further.
"I think that he will always recognise that this is a very special team and a very special club. It’s been a tough period because a lot of the media attention has been negative, which is difficult on the players.
"The narrative spreads. We are trying to challenge that and to say to the squad: ‘We are OK.’
"Yes, we are currently minus one massive player but we don’t yet know how that situation will change. But everyone here is fully committed and that is great."
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