Eddie Howe makes statement on Alexander Isak future after sending Liverpool target home from pre-season match

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe revealed he sent Alexander Isak home from Scotland ‘due to speculation’ around his future.

However, Howe remains ‘confident’ the superstar striker will still be at the club when the summer window slams shut.

Isak was left out of the Magpies‘ matchday squad for their 4-0 defeat away to Celtic alongside Joelinton.

However, talkSPORT understands neither man was meant to participate as Howe eases both back into playing after extended breaks following international duty for Sweden and Brazil respectively.

Although Joelinton watched the loss from the stands at Celtic Park, Isak did not.

It was ultimately a preventative measure taken from Howe for Isak to avoid the prying eyes and cameras amid rampant links to Liverpool.

“It was my decision,” Howe said.

“He travelled back to Glasgow with us, but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him.

“The last thing he wanted is to be sat in the stand watching, that wasn’t fair to him.

“But I’m confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window.”

News broke on Tuesday Liverpool had informed Newcastle they would be ready to make a play for Isak should the Magpies change their mind about selling him.

talkSPORT understands that while no formal bid has been placed, the Reds indicated they would be prepared to make a British record £120million offer for Isak if it offered any encouragement.

Newcastle are believed to value Isak at £150m and have no plans to sell the Swedish international this summer.

However, Howe acknowledged he can’t give a clear answer on any of his stars, let alone Isak, regarding their future.

“It’s difficult for me to give 100 per cent clarity on any player,” Howe remarked.

“Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, the team.

“I’m confident he’ll be here at the start of the season.”

Howe added: “We have a few of those players who are irreplaceable. We’re desperate to keep Alex part of our team.”

Isak enjoyed his best goalscoring return ever last term, registering 23 goals in 34 league fixtures last term.

The 25-year-old’s impressive goal haul helped the Magpies finish fifth and secure a Champions League berth for the 2025/26 campaign.

He also played a starring role in helping Newcastle end their 70-year wait for a trophy as they beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final last March.

In total, Isak has netted an impressive 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle since his arrival from Real Sociedad.