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Eddie Howe is keen for Alexander Isak to stay at Newcastle - but insists he only wants players who want to be at the club.

Merson says: Isak could have left Newcastle a hero but his legacy is now tainted

Paul Merson says Alexander Isak could have left Newcastle a hero this summer but his actions in trying to force a move to Liverpool have tainted a legacy that saw him play a key part in winning the Carabao Cup last season.

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If Isak is true to what's being reported in The Athletic and he refuses to ever play for Newcastle again, even after the window closes, then Newcastle must decided the best course of action with a depreciating asset.

Eddie Howe has already said the situation has had a negative effect on the rest of the squad, and the club will have to decide whether they want that lingering after the window has closed.

With only three weeks left of the window, centre-forward options are thin on the ground.

Sky Sports News' Keith Downie reports Alexander Isak is looking increasingly likely to stay at Newcastle as the window develops.

Even if they were to bring Wissa in, they would still need another one to allow Isak to leave.

Liverpool's opening bid was £110m, which is also quite a distance from what Newcastle are looking for.

The word is he won't, but do they believe that?

Bridges have been burned with supporters so it's going to be really interesting to see if Isak does stay, how that dynamic with not just Howe but also with the supporters plays out in the weeks and months ahead.

It feels like Newcastle need a fit and firing Isak given the lack of options, and Isak would need Newcastle, too
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