Alexander Isak may have missed part of Newcastle United's pre-season preparation due to transfer speculation, but the Swedish forward now looks set to board a flight this week.

Eddie Howe confirmed the striker was left out of the squad which lost to Celtic.

However, he will join the team in the Far East this week, clarifying the club's stance that Isak is still not for sale.



The Premier League hitman has been garnering plenty of interest following his 27-goal season for the Magpies, with Liverpool one of the clubs reportedly considering spending £120million to secure his services.

Why Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool flight was re-scheduled?	Liverpool's strange week has led to a risky decision with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike	Thierry Henry made his feelings clear on Alexander Isak as Liverpool handed transfer boost

However, Liverpool are now on the brink of signing Hugo Ekitike – who Newcastle themselves had targeted – in a deal worth up to £79m from Eintracht Frankfurt, casting some doubt on their pursuit of Isak.

Meanwhile, Howe confirmed to BBC Radio Newcastle that Isak would join the squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East, making it totally clear they expect the striker to remain at St James Park this season.

"Yes, absolutely.

Alexander Isak will join up with the rest of the Newcastle squad this week.

I just want him to focus on himself and his training and being ready for next week."

Howe stated he left Isak out of the squad which faced Celtic on Saturday due to ongoing transfer speculation.

James' Park on Friday, August 8, and then Atletico Madrid on Saturday, August 9, leading up to their Premier League opener away to Aston Villa on Saturday, August 16.

The transfer window is set to close shortly after, on Monday, September 1, and while Howe was clear in his hopes that Isak will remain a Newcastle player by this point, his future could still be up in the air.

Although a definitive move from the Reds for Isak is far from certain, they will keep a close eye on his situation, and Newcastle will be aiming to keep the Swede around for the upcoming season.

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