New Alexander Isak statement issued by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe: 'I can't involve him'

Eddie Howe has revealed Alexander Isak remains banished from his Newcastle teammates - and does not expect him to return any time soon. The Swedish striker is at the heart of huge speculation, with Liverpool keen to sign him.

The Reds have already had one bid in excess of £100m turned down for Isak, while the striker himself has submitted a transfer request. He did not join his teammates on the club's pre-season tour to Asia.

While he is now back in the North East, the striker is still not training with the Newcastle first team. Speaking after Friday evening's pre-season friendly against Spanish side against Espanyol - a game that Isak missed - Howe revealed that he still does not feel comfortable restoring Isak back to his thinking.

He said: "We’ve had discussions and it’s clear at the moment we can’t have him involved with the group. I don’t know how long that will be for. It’s clear I can’t involve him with the team at the moment.

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"He is training later than the rest of the squad. There have been discussions since the tour. I don’t think disciplinary action has happened.

"He is here, so of course he has a future at Newcastle. From our perspective, we would love to have him back with the team, but the situation has to be right for that to happen."

Newcastle now have just a week left to prepare for their first Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa. Asked if Isak could appear in that game, Howe was not particularly optimistic.

Where do you think Alexander Isak will be once the transfer window shuts? Share your predictions in the comments below

He replied: "I want Alex to be playing today. I want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us, let me make that absolutely clear.

"There is no part of me that does not want that outcome. But I don't see the current situation changing before Aston Villa."

Isak enjoyed a sensational season for Newcastle last term as he scored 27 goals in all competitions. The former Real Sociedad star still has three years left to run on his contract with Newcastle.

The Magpies have so far faced difficulty in finding Isak's potential successor. They were previously linked with Hugo Ekitike, only to see him move to Liverpool. Benjamin Sesko then became a prime target but he is now on the verge of a move to Manchester United.

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