Eddie Howe has addressed rumours that Newcastle United's forward Alexander Isak has bid his team-mates at the club's Benton base a tearful goodbye.
Swedish TV sparked the speculation, alleging that Isak lingered to emotionally part ways with his colleagues amid talks of a switch to Liverpool. However, Howe stated he had "no knowledge" of such an event and assured that he "would know" if it had transpired.
During a charged Ppess conference, Howe also mentioned he was still engaged in the transfer market and conveyed to [Chronicle Live](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-respond-talk-alexander-32382344): "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."
When probed about receiving a farewell from Isak, Howe responded: "No, I have had no communication". Howe was further questioned about the alleged meeting and reiterated: "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."
Sky Sports also queried Howe on the matter, to which he replied: "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."
Newcastle is reportedly still in discussions for Jorgen Strand Larsen, and when quizzed about further transfers, Howe remarked: "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."
In positive news for Newcastle, Nick Woltemade is set to join the squad after the international break. Howe is eagerly anticipating the chance to utilize the £69m star, stating: "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."