Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted a decision over Alexander Isak's future will not be made by him amid reports the club has blocked him from joining Liverpool.

The striker was once again missing for Newcastle's final pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid before the new Premier League season starts, having been isolated in training this week amid the ongoing speculation over a move to Anfield.

New reports on Saturday claimed that Newcastle's Saudi owners have blocked Isak from joining Liverpool this summer, leaving the striker furious, and Howe has now conceded that the decision has indeed been taken out of his hands.



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Asked during his post-match press conference on Saturday whether it would be best for all parties if Isak was granted a move to Liverpool, Howe responded (as per Chronicle Live's Lee Ryder): "That is not a decision I will make."

Howe went on to say: "He is contracted, he is our player.

The club will make a decision on his future."

The Newcastle boss' admission comes after reports earlier on Saturday claimed that Newcastle's owners had told Isak that he would not be sold this summer.

Howe though admitted to having no knowledge of any such decision being made.

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"I’m not party to all discussions, but I have no knowledge of that."

And the Newcastle boss seemed to leave the door open to Isak leaving the club this summer as he added: "I want players who really want to play for this club."

The chances of Liverpool landing Isak though may have taken a hit during Newcastle's defeat to Atletico after Anthony Gordon was forced off injured.

The former Everton forward has been standing in as the Magpies' frontman amid Isak's absence, but he handed his side a major injury scare as he received treatment during the latter stages of the game before heading straight down the tunnel with a physio.

Howe has played down concerns over the injury, but should Gordon face any time out, that may well strengthen Newcastle's resolve to hold onto Isak.

"We hope he’s okay," Howe said on Gordon
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