Alexander Isak is trying to force a move to Liverpool this summer, but Newcastle -Baas Eddie Howe remains hopeful that the striker could stay in St James' park
Newcastle -Baas Eddie Howe has revealed that he can make another attempt to convince Alexander Isak to stay. Isak stands for a move to Liverpool and will therefore miss the first match in Newcastle of the new Premier League season.
However, Howe has refused to exclude the possibility that the striker will play for Newcastle again. When asked if there is a way back for Isak, Howe told reporters: “Yes, I believe that it is. But of course there should be discussions and conversations to make that happen.
“But again, that's for another day. Today is Aston Villa and ensuring that we perform as well as possible. I understand why your questions are full of that subject, but it doesn't really help us at the moment.”
However, he also admitted that the ball is very much in the court of Isak when asked if there is a chance that the 25-year-old will return to action before the transfer window closes, Howe replied: “I don't know.
“While I'm sitting here, I don't know. Alex will check that. You want to see him with the team, you want to see him happy and enjoy his football. He is contracted. He is here, so for me that is (only training) an unfortunate situation.
“Me and Alex enjoyed a great relationship and I don't think he would have done as well as he did without his teammates and the supporters and the support of the entire football club,
“That recognizes that too. He is a very intelligent person and he knows that he would not have the success here without anyone connected to Newcastle. This is a different moment for him and us and we work together.”
Newcastle is planning Isak Fine for refusing against Aston Villa, in which Howe admits that the Saga has had a major effect on preparing the club for the new season. “I don't think it's healthy for us,” he said.
“I do not deny that it has been a big challenge. Alex is one of the best strikers in the world for me – if not the best. Missing him of your team leaves a huge gap. If you have a player that is not part of your group, it is difficult for the players to fully understand and know what is going on and how to respond and how to respond.
“But as time passes, there has been an acceptance, this is the team and we have to get the best out of the situation. That has always been my line of thought.
“In whatever situation you are, you have to find a way and you can only determine what you can control. We have improved and I have to say that the atmosphere of the group has been very good in recent weeks.”