Alexander Isak transfer statement made as Eddie Howe nails his colours to the mast

Eddie Howe has insisted that Newcastle were right to issue a public statement in response to Alexander Isak's come-and-get-me plea. The striker is desperate to leave Tyneside and secure a move to Liverpool, who have been chasing him throughout the window. Last month, they saw a nine-figure bid rejected with Newcastle holding out for a record-breaking transfer fee.

They are determined to avoid selling the forward unless their demands are met, having set a reported asking price of £150m. Isak is growing frustrated with the lack of progress and recently took the nuclear option in a desperate bid to speed things up. He released a statement on Tuesday night, referencing 'broken promises' from Newcastle's leadership and pleading for a clean break.

It prompted a quick response from the Magpies, who insisted that no agreement was made to let him leave St James' Park this summer. Howe was quizzed on the situation on Friday and did not hesitate to nail his colours to the mast.

"It was a sad moment and my preference is that these things don't happen publicly," said the Newcastle boss ahead of Monday's fixture against Liverpool.

"Everything is better behind closed doors, but needs must. The club has spoken, and probably justifiably so in that moment. Alex is contracted to us.

"My wish is he would be playing on Monday night with us, but he won't be. That's regrettable. But 100 percent I want to see him back in a Newcastle United shirt.

"He won't be part of the squad this weekend. The club has to act in the best interests of Newcastle United. It will do that in every situation. It looks like it is coming to an end, or it will come to an end pretty quickly."

Howe went on to express his frustration at how things are playing out, adding: "It is disappointing I am having to mention this at length and taking us away from the football. The players have done well to blank it all out. It is there in the background."

Anthony Gordon is likely to continue as a striker for Newcastle when they face Liverpool, with Isak yet to reintegrate into the squad. He is still training alone and has reportedly informed club chiefs that he will not play for the Magpies again.

Quizzed on Gordon's new role, Howe said: "He's done it enough to do the job really well for the team. I have no issue playing him there, both as a starter and a substitute.

"He plays differently to other strikers, but that can be a positive. He's got devastating pace, a really good work ethic, and he's scored goals. I think he played really well last week in lots of different phases of his game."

Newcastle will be hoping to shake off the frustration of the Isak saga and claim all three points against Liverpool, which would be their first win of the new Premier League season.

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