Howe says Isak future 'irrelevant' in Liverpool clash
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Eddie Howe insists Alexander Isak's future will be "irrelevant" when Newcastle attempt to claim their first Premier League win of the season against defending champions Liverpool.
The Magpies’ head coach has spent much of his summer being grilled about the future of his star striker with the Reds having launched a €126 million bid for the services of a player who is valued by his current employers at €172m.
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The Sweden international, who has been training alone after missing Newcastle’s pre-season tour to Singapore and South Korea, will play no part in Monday night’s game between the two clubs at St James’ Park and while Howe desperately wants the player to stay, he will not give him a second thought.
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Asked what message victory over Liverpool without Isak would send, the 47-year-old said: "I don’t think it is sending out a message without Alex.
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."
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But asked further if the hierarchy had demonstrated a refusal to be bullied, Howe said: "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.
Howe said: "Newcastle versus Liverpool is always a very special game