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James' Park on Friday night.

The Magpies played a tight 2-2 contest leaving plenty to talk about from the game, but the immediate focus was placed directly on the absent striker.

As the ECHO understands, the Reds are not lining up a second attempt to sign the 25-year-old as things stand but will be keeping a close watch of events unfolding.



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The Newcastle manage sat down and answered the media and said the following to various media outlets...

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"Discussions between us have to remain private.

"The situation has to be right for that to happen."

When asked whether he'd seen enough to suggest that Isak has shown any intent to play for the club again, Howe said: "I don't think we have gone into that, we have had discussions but we have not gone there.

For us, he's still very much our player.

"But the situation is what it is - and I have to focus on the players that are here and fit, and want to play."

Hope asked about the possibility of Isak featuring in the Magpies' Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday, August 16, and Howe responded: "I want Alex to be playing today.

There is no part of me that does not want that outcome.

"But I don't see the current situation changing before Aston Villa."

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And ChronicleLive wanted to know if Isak's exit path can truly be blocked by his employers.

"I don't think it is that straight-forward otherwise we'd do that a long time ago.

"I don't think we are in a position to do that currently.

I don't want to go into too much detail I don't think that is right, I think I have said enough."


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