Liverpool get strong Alexander Isak reminder as Newcastle United respond to bid claims

Eddie Howe wants Alexander Isak to stay at Newcastle United but confessed - “that’s not in my full control”.

Isak wishes to leave Newcastle this summer with Liverpool expected to launch a British record transfer bid after turning the Swede’s head with an informal approach a fortnight ago.

Howe’s side arrived in the South Korean capital of Seoul on Monday having spent the previous three days in Singapore. The Magpies say Isak is absent from the tour of Asia due to a “minor groin issue”, but the speculation casts doubt over that being the only reason.

Eddie Howe wants Newcastle United to keep Alexander Isak

While Howe admits his preference would be for Newcastle to fend off Liverpool, a final decision on Isak’s future will rest with the club’s hierarchy.

Ultimately, they must decide whether to retain the 25-year-old, who still has three years left on his contract, but risk keeping an unhappy player, or bank a record fee and use it to sign a replacement and strengthen other areas of the team. Time, however, is ticking with just five weeks of the summer transfer window remaining.

As it stands though, Isak remains a Newcastle player and Howe was keen to stress to those who may be getting carried away on Merseyside.

Speaking again about the Isak situation ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Team K-League (kick-off 12:00pm), Howe said: “He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.”

Liverpool yet to submit official Alexander Isak bid

Howe also confirmed Newcastle have not yet received a formal offer for Isak, though that is expected to change when Liverpool confirm the £65million sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich.

Howe added: “We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year.”

It’s been suggested that the Reds are willing to table a £120m bid, which falls short of Newcastle’s rumoured £150 valuation. Since moving to St James’ Park from Real Sociedad for £63m in 2022, Isak has one of the best strike rates in Europe with 62 goals in 109 appearances.

Alexander Isak talk dominates Asia trip

It is the third time in four days that Howe has addressed the Isak’s situation. Speaking on Saturday ahead of the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal, Howe said: “I wouldn't put a timescale on it. I think with these situations it has to be right for the football club, and everything then is taken into context below that.

“But the club will make the right decision with all the information that it has, and ultimately to try and move the club forward in whatever way that is. Then it's up to us to make good decisions the other way and try and improve the squad as best we can. That’s what we're trying to do, regardless of Alex's situation.

“But I think there's a wider picture here. There's a whole football club that has to make the decision. The ownership, together with the board of directors, especially with the money involved in modern day transfers. The manager of course has an opinion, but ultimately the decision will rest with the board.”

YOUR NEXT READ: Newcastle United star flies to South Korea alone after squad omission.

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