Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Eddie Howe has seemingly left the door open for Alexander Isak to leave Newcastle this summer, despite reports suggesting the striker had been blocked by the club’s owners.

Isak’s future took yet another twist earlier on Saturday amid ongoing speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool.

The Reds have already had one bid rejected, while there are currently no plans to follow up with another offer.

It was claimed on Saturday though that any plans to make another play later in the window for the 25-year-old would prove fruitless, with Newcastle’s Saudi owners having reportedly told Isak he will not be sold this summer.

Read More.

Speaking after his side’s friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid though, Howe denied any knowledge of any such decision.

"No, that’s not something I'm aware of,” Howe said in his press conference (via Chronicle Live).

“I’m not party to all discussions, but I have no knowledge of that."

And offering up yet more encouragement to Liverpool that a deal might not be out of reach, Howe suggested that Isak could still be offloaded.

"I think everything is still in play, he is contracted to us, he is our player.

Of course, I have a preferred outcome, I want the best and strongest squad possible.

"I want the players that really want to play for this football club."

The decision has been taken out of Howe’s hands though, despite Newcastle still having not appointed a new sporting director after Paul Mitchell’s departure.

Reports earlier in the summer indicated that a call on Isak’s future would be made by Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, with Howe just working with what he’s given by the club.

"Again, it is a decision that I won't make, that will be for other people to make,” Howe said

I love coaching and helping, we are focused on Aston Villa.

"Everything else, from my perspective, is not in my control, so it is not my focus."

Asked whether he could still hold another conversation to try and convince Isak to stay, Howe added: "If it was that easy, I would be doing it and I'd have done it yesterday.

"I think I am better off focusing on the players
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.