Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has revealed his desire to keep Sweden striker Alexander Isak at the club beyond the summer.
Isak, 25, missed the Magpies opening preseason fixture, a 4-0 loss to Scottish champions Celtic, and was also left out of the club’s preseason tour to Asia due to a thigh injury.
Check this: Isak absent from Newcastle’s preseason tour amid exit links
The former Real Sociedad striker has been heavily linked with an exit away from the club this summer, although Newcastle are unwilling to sell their prized asset.
Premier League champions, Liverpool have been heavily linked with a record move for the forward, while Saudi Premier League’s Al-Hilal have also shown interest.
“Of course there are things going on behind the scenes.
He will be aware, he’s in the news every day and I’m sure that’s not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons”, Howe revealed.
“We do share a really good relationship with him. He’s been magnificent for us since he’s joined. He’s very popular in the dressing room. We’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle.”
Isak scored 27 goals in all competitions last season, and is open to an exit despite having three years left on his current contract.
“Whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle. We are in a very strong position financially. We are determined to be successful. We are ambitious. We’ve got a great season ahead of us. We need to add to the squad and continue to improve”, he continued.
“And if the journey can continue to an upward trajectory, I think that’s what we all want. So that’s what we’re battling to try and achieve.
I think I said against Celtic after the game, I certainly hope he stays. I said I was confident that he’d stay. I don’t see anything that’s going to change that opinion of mine at the moment, but it’s football, and who knows what the future may bring”, Howe added.
The Magpies begin their preseason tour of Asia with a tough clash against Arsenal on Sunday, before further games against K-League XI and Tottenham Hotspur.
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