Eddie Howe has a footballing preference when it comes to Alexander Isak’s future, but he conceded that “you can’t just be oblivious to things that have happened” with the striker.
Isak has been on the periphery of Newcastle‘s squad since mid-July and has been training alone ever since as he looks to force a move to Liverpool before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Liverpool had a £110 million offer rejected at the start of August, but with Newcastle agreeing a deal worth €80 million (£69.3m) for Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, an improved bid is expected.
The *Telegraph*‘s Mike McGrath is the latest to report that a record-transfer bid is anticipated “over the weekend,” in the region of £130 million before any add-ons or bonuses.
Arne Slot was coy when asked about Liverpool’s transfer plans, simply saying it is “nice for Eddie Howe” that he has a new striker, and the Newcastle manager could not escape further questioning on Isak.
“Of course I would have a preference, but ultimately you have to look at all the information,” Howe told reporters.
• READ: “Nice for Eddie Howe!” – Arne Slot remains coy on Liverpool transfers
“Of course, I have a footballing preference but then you have to take everything else into account, you can’t just be oblivious to things that have happened.
“I’m in that position really, where I’m trying to separate myself from it because I have no control over it so I’ll let everything take its course and then deal with the eventuality.”
The football preference is clearly to keep hold onto the striker, but the events throughout the summer make the situation untenable, with Isak himself saying “trust is lost.”
Alexander Isak, Newcastle. PA
Ultimately, the relationship has been fractured and Liverpool have been waiting to receive the encouragement to return with another offer, which is now likely to come.
“It’s difficult for me to give you any clarity on the future,” Howe added. “I’ve said before, I don’t know what the future holds in that respect because I’m not dealing with it myself.
“I’ve got no update from what I spoke about the other day. I’m concentrating on trying to bring players to the club.”