Alexander Isak: Eddie Howe reveals latest on Liverpool transfer target before Premier League showdown | OneFootball

Isak to watch on from the sidelines as Newcastle host the Premier League champions

Alexander Isak will not return for Newcastle against Liverpool on Monday night.

Isak missed the Magpies’ goalless draw with Aston Villa last weekend as his future remains unsolved amid being the subject of an £110million bid from Liverpool which was rejected earlier in the month.

The transfer saga of the summer then took another twist with Newcastle responding to Isak’s social media outburst.

As things stand, the striker remains a Newcastle player, though Eddie Howe has confirmed he will not be part of the squad to face Liverpool.

Speaking to reporters on Friday morning, Howe said: "No, there's been no change [in Isak's situation]. He won't be part of the squad for this weekend'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."

Still absent: Alexander Isak

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However, Howe did reveal there could be a way back for the 25-year-old when asked if Isak can still be reintegrated into the squad, insisting there is no issue between the pair.

"Of course, he is contracted to us, he's our player,” Howe added. "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 per cent see him in a Newcastle shirt.

"These situations are far from ideal. A lot of the attention has gone onto that [the Isak situation] rather than the team and our preparation.

"But as soon as I leave here, I'm back with the team, training, delivering meetings, speaking to individual players, trying to get the group in the best frame of mind possible.

My wish is he would be playing on Monday night with us, but he won't be and that's regrettable

Eddie Howe

"The job never changes but the outside perception is one that's totally different to normal.

"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.

"It's a difficult situation from both sides and I can see it's far from ideal for both parties.

"But I'm sure we'll catch up at some stage and hopefully speak soon."