Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has opened up on his chats with Alexander Isak at the end of last season
Eddie Howe walks with Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak is reportedly pushing for a move away from St. James' Park
(Image: PA)
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has revealed he held end of season meetings with Alexander Isak - but would not comment when asked if he knew the Sweden striker wanted to go before this summer.
Isak has claimed that promises were broken at St James' Park but the head coach would no divulge when pressed on what was said.
The head coach has made it clear he does not want Isak to leave and would prefer he faced Liverpool on Monday night in the Premier League at St James' Park.
But during an intense Press conference on Friday, Howe accepted the situation would come to an end soon one way or another.
Big claims had been made this week that Howe knew Isak wanted to go two weeks before the end of last season have since been suggested.
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When asked by us if those meetings had taken place, Howe told Chronicle Live: "Yeah, me and Alex had conversations towards the end of the season. Yes, I am not going to sit here and deny that."
When asked if Isak had told him he wanted to leave, Howe said: "I have always said that individual conversations are better off remaining private. But we had conversations at the end of the season.
"But I have had conversations with him near enough every day. That wouldn't be abnormal."
When asked if he had spoken to Isak this week Howe replied: "I haven't seen him this week, I saw him last week. When I see him we speak as normal. There are no issues between us.
"It's difficult on both sides. It's far from ideal for both parties, that's Alex and us. But when we see each other we're fine.
"He's training later on detached from the group. We will I'm sure catch up at some stage and hopefully speak soon."
Howe was also asked if he will be happy when the window shuts, he said: "I'll be pleased when it's here. Pleased if we have what we want.
"Whenever you go through a window there are ups and downs. It feels like there's been quite a few downs in this one but also quite a few positives as well."
Putting the Isak saga to one side, Newcastle have signed Aaron Ramsdale, Anthony Elanga, Jacob Ramsey and Malick Thiaw.
Howe said: "The players we've signed are very good players who will add a lot to the squad. A lot in terms of ability, athleticism, fresh energy I've spoken about previously.
"There are big positives for us. Of course, there's one big challenging situation that's not resolved.
"From that side I can't wait for the end of the window because we can get back to focusing on the football matches."