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Isak was conspicuous by his absence as Newcastle were thrashed 4-0 by the Scottish champions in Glasgow.

The Swedish striker is the subject of transfer interest from Liverpool, with the Premier League champions mulling a £120million bid earlier this week.

They have since moved onto Hugo Ekitike – a player Newcastle saw a £70m bid rejected for – and are confident of signing the Eintracht Frankfurt star.

Nevertheless, there remains some doubt over the future of Isak at St James’ Park, and fears were raised among fans on Saturday when Isak’s name was absent from the squad to face Celtic.

He was omitted alongside Joelinton and Howe tried his best to quell speculation post-match, although he arguably only succeeded in fanning the flames.

Newcastle said before the game that Isak was being left out to manage his minutes after the squad trained in Austria and before they jetted off to Singapore.

But Howe's answer after the Celtic thrashing showed an ulterior motive.

READ MORE:Transfer news LIVE: Ekitike to Liverpool, Man Utd agree two deals, Gyokeres to ArsenalREAD MORE:Man Utd vs Leeds: Ruben Amorim gets clear transfer message as Matheus Cunha makes impression

“I chose to send him home,” he said.

Alex has trained and is fine but we didn't want to take the risk with him.”

Howe said there had “been no formal approach” from Liverpool over a transfer for Isak, but revealed that he had spoken to the 25-year-old.

Alexander Isak was not part of Newcastle's squad in Glasgow(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)

“Yes, I've had discussions with him, but that's not abnormal,” he added.

Alex has been really good, he's trained really well and I realise there'll be noise around him.”

One thing is clear: Newcastle are desperate to keep their star striker, who joined in a club-record £63m move from Real Sociedad in 2022.
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