Alexander Isak is pushing for a big money move to Liverpool this summer and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has spoken out about the striker's future after he released an explosive statement
Eddie Howe and Alexander Isak
Eddie Howe has spoken out about Alexander Isak's future
(Image: PA)
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted he held discussions with Alexander Isak over his future at the end of last season, but stopped short of claiming that the forward was promised a move away.
Isak is currently training alone at Newcastle as he pushes for a move to Liverpool. The Reds have had a £110million offer for the striker rejected and Howe has repeatedly stated that he hopes Isak will stay, despite his attempts to force an exit. Isak released an explosive statement earlier this week, accusing Newcastle of breaking promises.
"I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken," Isak said. "That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.
"The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue."
Newcastle have hit back at Isak and insisted that "no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer". And Howe has now revealed that he did hold talks with Isak at the end of last season, but refused to comment when asked if he knew about the player's desire to leave.
"Yeah, me and Alex had conversations towards the end of the season," Howe said ahead of Newcastle's clash with Liverpool on Monday. "Yes, I am not going to sit here & deny that.
"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."
Howe also confirmed that Isak will not feature on Monday and suggested that the saga is set to "come to an end pretty quickly". The 47-year-old added: "He won't be part of the squad this weekend.
Alexander Isak
Isak is pushing for a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
"The club has to act in the best interests of Newcastle United. It will do that in every situation It looks like it is coming to an end, or it will come to an end pretty quickly.
"It was a sad moment. My preference is these things do not happen publicly. They are better dealt with behind closed doors. But needs must. The club has spoken and justifiably so in that moment.
"He's contracted to us. He's our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday. He won't be and that's regrettable. But 100 per cent I want him back in a Newcastle shirt."
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