'There are things going on' - Eddie Howe provides update on Alexander Isak amid intense Liverpool & Al-Hilal transfer talk as Newcastle boss makes telling admission on striker's future
Decision to make for Newcastle
Swedish striker reportedly wants to leave
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Magpies manager Howe gave his honest views on the situation surrounding his star centre-forward, who has reportedly informed the club that he wants to leave. Howe admitted that contract talks are not currently going ahead between Newcastle and Isak, though that "could be for a later date".
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Isak has been linked with a record-breaking move to Liverpool for some time now, but Newcastle always shut down any talk and claimed he was not going anywhere this summer. This may have changed since reports emerged on Thursday that Isak wants to leave St James' Park and explore moves elsewhere. The Magpies now have a big decision to make about whether to let him go or offer him the contract he wants in the hope he changes his mind.
WHAT HOWE SAID
Howe said: "I wouldn't put a timescale on it. I think with these situations it has to be right for the football club, and everything then is taken into context below that. But the club will make the right decision with all the information that it has, and ultimately to try and move the club forward in whatever way that is. Then it's up to us to make good decisions the other way and try and improve the squad as best we can. That's what we're trying to do, regardless of Alex's situation.
"But I think there's a wider picture here. There's a whole football club that has to make the decision. The ownership, together with the board of directors, especially with the money involved in modern day transfers. The manager of course has an opinion, but ultimately the decision will rest with the board.
"Of course there's things going on behind the scenes (with Alex). He will be aware he's in the news every day, and I'm sure that's not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons. We do share a really good relationship with him.
"He's been magnificent for us and he's very popular in the dressing room. We'd love him to continue his journey at Newcastle. I certainly hope he stays. And I said [last weekend] I was confident that he'd stay. I don't see anything that's going to change that opinion of mine at the moment, but it's football and who knows what the future may bring.
"All I would say on the broader picture is whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle. We're in a very strong position financially. We're determined to be successful. We are ambitious. We've got a great season ahead of us. We need to add to the squad and continue to improve, and the journey can continue in an upward trajectory.
"As far as I'm aware, I don't think there are any contract talks taking place at the moment," he added. "That'll be for a later date potentially. I think for now, with the situation as it is and the state of the window, in the sense that it's hurtling towards the end of the window very quickly, from our perspective, there's still so much that could happen."
WHAT NEXT FOR ISAK, HOWE AND NEWCASTLE?
As Howe suggested, this situation may not be resolved for a little while yet. While Sweden international Isak dreams of a big move away after not joining Newcastle on pre-season tour due to a "minor thigh injury", the club need to spend some time considering what they would do if they were to lose him. There would be a huge influx of cash which would need to be spent wisely on improving Howe's side as the Magpies prepare for Champions League football next season.
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