Newcastle United release official response to Liverpool on Alexander Isak transfer

Eddie Howe has confirmed Liverpool are yet to make a formal offer for wantaway striker Alexander Isak.

Newcastle United struggled for the third consecutive pre-season game without the Swede. A toothless Toon fired a blank in Seoul against a side made up of players from the K-League.

Unlike 14 months ago, when a young Magpies outfit were smashed by the A-League All Stars 8-0, Howe named a more experienced line-up. The likes of Nick Pope, Jamaal Lascelles, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon started the game but, when needing a change, Newcastle did turn to youth.

Howe potentially had one eye on the weekend’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur as several first-team stars watched from the stands. Nevertheless, the Magpies failed to inject positivity into a club marred by off-field chaos.

While a game in South Korea took place, much of the focus lay elsewhere as Isak’s future continues to dominate the Tyneside news agenda. Newcastle are also working on incomings to give themselves the best preparation for a Champions League campaign.

Speaking to reporters post-match, Howe disclosed how, to the best of his knowledge, Liverpool have not made a bid for Isak. The Reds are expected to test Newcastle’s resolve in the coming days, with Luis Diaz’s sale to Bayern Munich freeing up funds.

At the weekend, Howe admitted the decision is not solely in his hands, with the board set to intervene. He said: "He (Isak) 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. 

“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."

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