Newcastle transfer news: Alexander Isak “lose-lose situation” addressed by Eddie Howe as new signings verdict delivered

Eddie Howe has admitted that Newcastle United are in a "lose-lose situation” over Liverpool target Alexander Isak, but he remains confident that the wantaway striker will be welcomed back by his teammates if a summer exit does not transpire.

The high-profile transfer saga surrounding Isak is dominating the talk of the summer window, with Premier League champions Liverpool having already failed with one British-record offer worth £110m.

Isak, valued at closer to £150m by Newcastle, broke his silence on Tuesday evening when he released an explosive statement on Instagram, announcing that he “can’t continue” with the Magpies after accusing the club of "broken promises".

The 25-year-old made his public plea to leave St James’ Park after deciding to skip Tuesday’s PFA awards ceremony in Manchester amidst uncertainty over his future, despite being named in the Team of the Year.

Just hours later, Newcastle responded by insisting that “no commitment has ever been made” to let the striker leave this summer and they "do not foresee" him being sold, as the conditions required for them to sanction a sale before the September 1 deadline are unlikely to transpire.

Isak continues to train away from the Newcastle first team and Howe has confirmed that the Sweden international’s situation has not changed, meaning he will miss Monday night’s Premier League showdown against none other than Liverpool.

Isak situation “will come to an end pretty quickly”, says Howe

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Howe said: "I think it is a lose-lose situation to a degree for us because I don't think we can come out of this winning in any situation.

"That is why I have said all summer, it is a difficult situation for the club to manage.

"We love Alex in the sense of what he has done for this football club since he has been here, what he has contributed, what he has given, how professional he's been and this has just been an unfortunate few months that looks like it is coming to an end.

"And it will come to an end pretty quickly and then we can focus on the football again."

Asked if supporters would welcome Isak back if he chose to play for Newcastle again, Howe added: "The relationship between our fans and Isak can still be good.

"The fans will always react to the way a player plays. There is always two sides to a story. We will see where we are in a week's time. I hope I can work with him again."

Howe also believes that Isak’s Newcastle teammates will welcome the striker back into the first-team fold and has confirmed that there is no personal issue between himself and the Swede.

Howe ‘wants to 100% see’ Isak in a Newcastle shirt again

"I haven't seen him this week. I saw him last week. When I see him, we speak as normal, there's no issues there between us,” Howe insisted. “I'm sure we'll catch up at some stage and hopefully speak soon.

"There's no doubt how the players will feel - they'll feel the same way I do. Alex is an outstanding player and he's a good person, a good character. He wants to succeed in his career.

"This has been a difficult situation for him and the players to see us without him. They've handled it really well, but if Alex decided to come back and play for us, the players would welcome him."

Addressing Isak’s availability for the clash against Liverpool, Howe said: "No, there's been no change [to Isak's situation]. He won't be part of the squad for [Monday’s] game.

"My preference for these things is that it doesn't happen publicly because everything is better dealt with behind closed doors.

"But needs must and the club has spoken, probably justifiably so in that moment. Of course [I hope he can be re-integrated]. He is contracted to us, he's our player.

"My wish is he would be playing on Monday night with us, but he won't be and that's regrettable, but I want to 100% see him in a Newcastle shirt."

Newcastle signings are ‘not close’ amid Wissa interest

Newcastle remain interested in strengthening their squad before the transfer window closes and they are in the market for at least one new centre-forward - regardless as to what happens with Isak this summer -  after allowing Callum Wilson to leave at the end of June.

Yoane Wissa is believed to be one of the Magpies’ top targets and the Brentford striker has attempted to force through a move to St James’ Park, but Howe has revealed that new additions are ‘not close’.

"We're working on incomings - I wouldn't say we're close,” said Howe. "We still have a little bit of time but it'll go quickly. The squad is in a really good place, but we're still looking to replace Callum Wilson. That's the big area we're focusing on."

"I'll be pleased when [the transfer window closes], but pleased if we get what we want," Howe continued. "Whenever you go through a transfer window, there's always ups and downs.

"It feels like there's been a lot of downs in this one, but some big positives as well and that shouldn't be forgotten. The players we've signed are very good and they'll add a lot to the squad.

"Of course, there's one big, challenging situation that's not resolved, but from that side, I can't wait for the end of the window so we can get back to focusing on what we need to do which is try and win football matches to be successful."

In the absence of Isak, Newcastle were unable to score against 10-man Aston Villa in a goalless draw last weekend, and Anthony Gordon is likely to start down the middle once again in Monday’s clash with Liverpool.