Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has commented on the Alexander Isak situation ahead of the Premier League clash against Liverpool.
Isak wants to join Monday’s opponents Liverpool, and won’t be involved in the clash at St James’ Park as he refuses to train or play in an attempt to force through a move.
The saga took a dramatic and bitter turn on Tuesday evening as Isak released a statement accusing the Magpies of breaking promises, concluding that “when promises are broken and the trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”
Newcastle responded just hours later and strenuously denied that Isak was told he could leave, and added they do not foresee the conditions of a sale being met.
In order to sanction Isak’s exit, the Magpies must sign two strikers before the transfer window shuts on September 1 and Liverpool must meet the player’s valuation, which is close to the £150million mark.
Reacting to Isak’s statement, Howe said: "My preference is it doesn't [play out] publicly. Everything is better behind closed doors, but needs must. The club has spoken, and probably justifiably so in that moment.
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"Alex is contracted to us. My wish is he would be playing on Monday night with us, but he won't be. That's regrettable. I 100 percent want to see him in a Newcastle United shirt.
"I haven't seen him this week. I saw him last week. When I see him, we speak as normal. There are no issues there between us. It's a difficult situation from both sides. It's far from ideal for both parties. Alex is training later on and detached from the group. We will catch up at some stage."
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