Eddie Howe makes 'irrelevant' Alexander Isak claim as Liverpool transfer saga overshadows game
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Eddie Howe has claimed this summer’s transfer tug of war between Liverpool and Newcastle will be irrelevant when the sides meet on Monday in the Premier League, while adding the Magpies will not be looking to “send a message” to the champions.
Liverpool and Newcastle have become well acquainted with each other in recent years, following the Reds’ pursuit of Alexander Isak this summer and Anthony Gordon last year, while after Monday’s game at St.
James’ Park, Arne Slot won’t have faced any head coach more than Howe since his arrival from Feyenoord.
The Dutchman revealed he and his Newcastle counterpart have exchanged messages in the past and spoke in glowing terms about the former Bournemouth boss.
Read More.
Howe, who is emerging slightly beleaguered from a bruising transfer window, will be looking forward to Monday’s transfer deadline, after a summer in which he has answered repeated questions about Isak’s future.
But, according to the Newcastle boss, the situation won’t impact his thinking on Monday.
“I don’t think it is sending out a message without Alex
Howe's summer has been dominated by Isak's future
Alex’s situation is irrelevant, really.
“When the game starts, it’s about us playing to the best of our ability and showing the fighting spirit we did against Aston Villa [last week].”
Newcastle’s stance all summer has been that Isak is not for sale, although Liverpool may look to test that resolve in the final week of the window.
Asked if Newcastle’s owners have used the transfer saga to underline their unwillingness to compromise, Howe replied: “I don’t necessarily think that the club are trying to make that stance, I think they are just reacting to this situation and making decisions based on what they think is the best for Newcastle United.
"They are being strong on the valuations of players and on how a player leaves the football club.
“All of these things are important
They are important on this situation and also the future.”
Howe revealed ahead of the Liverpool fixture that Isak will not be involved but again said he would prefer to have the striker available.
He added that the Sweden international has a route back into the team still despite the high-profile disagreement between the player and club this summer.