Alexander Isak to Liverpool twist as Eddie Howe drops huge Newcastle transfer bombshell
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe insists the club have not put a timescale on a decision regarding Alexander Isak's future but confessed that the Liverpool target could leave the club this summer.
The Swedish striker, who has become the team's leading light over his three years at St James' Park, has expressed a desire to explore his options away from the Magpies. It means Newcastle, despite winning a trophy and qualifying for the Champions League, could lose their best player.
If Isak were to leave it would require a British-record transfer fee to tempt Newcastle and, currently, Liverpool are the only Premier League club to come forward. There is also interest in Saudi Arabia.
Isak just enjoyed his best season to date in front of goal but is not part of the team's pre-season preparations at present, largely down to the speculation surrounding his future. Howe claimed there would be no immediate decision made as the club weigh up what's best in the long run.
He 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."
He added: "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.'
Liverpool have just spent £79m to land Hugo Ekitike as their new No 9 from Frankfurt, but that may not stop them going back into the market to explore a deal for Isak. Already the Reds have spent more than £200m but still have the scope to spend considerably more if needed.
It would be a huge blow to Newcastle, who have made no secret about their ambitions. They've been able to invest gradually since their Saudi owners came in and have retained their top talent up until now.
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