The Magpies left Elland Road with just a point but the big story remains Alexander Isak's desire to leave
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Alexander Isak runs during the Newcastle United Training Session at the Newcastle United Training Centre on September 11, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Alexander Isak runs during the Newcastle United Training Session at the Newcastle United Training Centre on September 11, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Alexander Isak(Image: Getty)
Eddie Howe has responded to suggestions that Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has said farewell to his team-mates at the club's Benton base.
The suggestions circulated on Swedish TV with claims that Isak waited for team-mates to say an emotional goodbye ahead of a move to Liverpool.
But Howe said that he had "no knowledge" of the meeting said he "would know" if that had been the case.
In an intense Press conference Howe also said he was still active in the transfer market and told Chronicle Live: "On Alex's situation I have no communication and no update, we are still actively looking to recruit but I don't know if that has any relation to Alex's situation."
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When asked if he had recieved a goodbye from Isak, Howe said: "No, I have had no communictaion."
Howe was the pressed on the meeting a second time and said: "I have no knowledge of that, I can't tell you it didn't happen, but I certainly can't tell you it did.
"That is the first I have heard of it. I am pretty sure I would have known."
When asked by Sky Sports on the same subject, Howe said: "I'm not party to any talks going on. I have been preparing for this game which is demanding enough. I will find out like everyone else.
"We can't wait for the finish line because we need clarity to move forward."
United are still believed to be in talks for Jorgen Strand Larsen and when asked about other business, Howe said: "Being the manager you are always hopeful that you can maybe add one more that can make a difference but I am really happy with the work we have done so far and I think we are a lot stronger than last season. Fingers crossed we might be able to do some more."
The good news for United is that Nick Woltemade will be coming into the team after the international break.
Howe can't wait to be able to rely on the £69m star and said: "He is a really good technician. His size will be a talking point because he is a big presence, but he is not a target man although he can head the ball.
"He has real creativity around the box, he can find space around the box and he can find passes that not many other players can see. So I think he can add a dimension we currently don't have and when you have goalscorers in your team the general level goes up.
"We are always looking to add multi-talented players. You don't want to be one dimensional. You have to have many strings to your bow to be successful in England. I think he has them and I am looking forward to seeing him play in our team.
"Any team in the Premier League would miss their centre forward, so I think we're in that bracket but we're also missing Anthony Gordon and Joelinton too.
"I don't think I can stand here and use that as an excuse. We still have very good players and can do more in that final third. It's never been an issue for us, scoring goals, so we need to turn that round very quickly.