Eddie Howe offers cryptic Alexander Isak transfer hint after new twist in Liverpool saga

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Eddie Howe has been quizzed on Liverpool transfer target Alexander Isak's Newcastle United future(Image: Sky Sports News)

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe offered a cryptic hint over Alexander Isak's future - saying: "You can't just be oblivious to things that have happened".

Premier League champions Liverpool saw a £110m offer rejected for Isak at the start of August and have been awaiting further encouragement while the Magpies have attempted to secure the two strikers that could theoretically pave the way for the Sweden international's acrimonious exit.

Isak refused to travel on the club's pre-season tour of the Far East in July and returned to training by using the facilities of his former club, Real Sociedad, before being made to work alone, away from his colleagues, upon his Tyneside return.



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An explosive statement that complained of broken promises and lost trust earlier this month, just moments after the forward was named in the PFA's 24/25 Team of the Year on August 19, was met hours later by a Newcastle response that stated the requirements for Isak to be allowed to leave for Anfield had not yet been met.

However, the Magpies look to have finally made a breakthrough as they close in on Stuttgart's Germany Under-21 striker Nick Woltemade for around £65m and Howe was coy when asked what that meant for Isak's future on Friday.

"It's difficult for me to give you any sort of clarity on the future," Howe said.

"I've said before, I don't know what the future holds in that respect because I'm not involved with it myself.

"I've got no update and I'm just focusing on bringing players into the club.

"You can't be oblivious to things that have happened.

You've got to look at all the information.

"I have a footballing preference but then you have to take everything else into account, you can’t just be oblivious to things that have happened.

Howe continued: "Not too much [to say on Woltemade] but positive signs, I think things are moving and developing in a good way at the moment.

Can't confirm anything but fingers crossed.

"I don't think that's possible [to register him for Leeds this weekend], due to lots of reasons I don't understand.

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"The most important thing is that we try and bring a centre-forward in, that's what we've been working towards all summer so hopefully we're getting closer."

Quizzed if the move for Woltemade could aid his side's chances of signing Isak, Liverpool head coach Slot said at his own press conference this morning:"Newcastle have signed - if it's true - a new No.9, so that's very nice for Eddie because Anthony Gordon is suspended and Isak has not been training with the team a lot.

"So it's nice for them to have another number nine."