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There is increasing uncertainty about Alexander Isak’s Newcastle future, despite head coach Eddie Howe insisting he is “confident” the striker will stay at the club this summer.

Isak was not in the Newcastle matchday squad on Saturday and had never been scheduled to play in what turned out to be a 4-0 thrashing by Celtic.

However, the Brazilian was in the stands at Celtic Park to watch his team-mates, while Isak was sent home by Howe "due to the speculation around him".

Liverpool stepped up their interest in Isak this week and were told by Newcastle he is not for sale.

Arsenal have been another club eyeing Isak this summer but they are now closing in on a deal for Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres.

On the call to send Isak home ahead of the Celtic friendly, Howe said: "It was my decision.

Of course we're desperate to keep him as part of our team."

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Howe also said he had spoken with Isak about his future - and insisted the Sweden international remains focused on performing for Newcastle.

So they'll be looking for two strikers, not just one.

"Eddie says Isak will travel to Singapore for the pre-season tour and that he's confident he will stay.

"Eddie is going to have to use all his powers of man management to ensure Isak's head is in the right place to remain at Newcastle this season for a double pursuit on the Premier League and Champions League."

On Joelinton, who was also absent from the matchday squad but in the stands at Celtic, Howe said: "Both players [Joelinton and Isak] are fit.

I know Celtic are ahead in terms of pre-season preparation - they've been back a couple of weeks - but there has been a gulf between the teams.

"Yes, Newcastle are missing the likes of Isak, Joelinton, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, but Celtic have been streets ahead.

"Newcastle fans will be thinking that they need to add more signings - they've only added Elanga so far this summer but on this showing, they'll need a few more."


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