Newcastle’s lack of attacking threat was abundantly clear once again this evening as they played out a goalless draw with Leeds United at Elland Road.
In the absence of the suspended Anthony Gordon, and with new signing Nick Woltemade unable to play as he watched on from the stands, Will Osula led the line as the Magpies failed to score for the second time in three league matches.
The Danish youngster’s rawness was clear to see as he struggled to break down the Leeds defence, so whatever happens with Isak ahead of Monday’s 7pm deadline, Newcastle’s recruitment team will be desperately trying to bring in another forward.
Talks over Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen remain at an impasse, although the Newcastle hierarchy will continue to try to make a breakthrough in the next couple of days.
“I’d love to do one more player,” said Howe. “Just to get the full strength that I think we need. I don’t know what that player looks like, you’re not going to get a position out of me, but I’d love to have one more just to give us the strength in depth I think we need.”
It has always been suggested that, in order to sanction Isak’s sale to Liverpool, Newcastle would need two conditions to be met.
First, Liverpool would have to improve the initial offer, worth around £110m, that was rejected earlier this month. Second, the Magpies would need to sign two new strikers.
The first is through the door, with Woltemade’s £65m move from Stuttgart having been confirmed this morning. The second is proving difficult to recruit, with Howe stating that nothing has changed with Isak’s situation in the last few days.
“On Alex’s situation, I’ve got no communication and no update,” said the Magpies boss. “We are still looking to actively recruit, but I don’t know if that has any relation at all to Alex’s situation.”
The Scandinavian media reported earlier today that Isak had said goodbye to his team-mates at Newcastle’s training ground yesterday, but Howe suggested that was not the case.
“He hasn’t said goodbye to me, I’ve had no communication with him,” he said. “I’ve got no knowledge \[of him saying goodbye to his team-mates\].
“I’ve got no knowledge that it didn’t happen, but I certainly can’t say it did because that’s the first I’ve heard of it. And I’m pretty sure I would have heard if it had happened.”