Alexander Isak to Liverpool? Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe addresses transfer rumours

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe recently broke his silence on the rumours of Alexander Isak's potential transfer to Liverpool this season. Howe stated that Isak remains a contracted player at Newcastle and that the club is yet to receive a bid for the Swedish striker. Isak has not joined the Newcastle United squad on their ongoing pre-season tour of Asia.

He has reportedly made it clear to the club that he wants to leave this summer and is exploring his options for a potential move. However, Newcastle United have maintained that the striker has not joined the pre-season tour due to a thigh injury. Nonetheless, Isak's future remains subject to intense speculation.

Isak is one of the best strikers available in the current market and has been linked with a move to reigning Premier League champions Liverpool. The Reds are interested in securing the services of the striker despite having signed French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth 90 million euros.

Recently, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was asked about Isak's rumoured move to Liverpool and his future with the club. Howe reiterated Newcastle's stance that the striker is not for sale, however, he admitted that he has no control over Isak's future. Howe also confirmed that there has been no bid for Isak, and his wish is to keep the striker.

"He is still our player. He's contracted to us," Howe told reporters at a news conference in Seoul.

"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. We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club," he added.

Isak scored 27 goals for Newcastle United across all competitions last season and has been pivotal in their recent rise. The striker, who joined the English club from Real Sociedad in 2022 in a deal worth 60 million pounds, has three years left on his contract. Newcastle reportedly value Isak at 150 million pounds, and it will take a huge offer from Liverpool to change their stance on letting the striker leave.

Newcastle United have reportedly identified RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko to replace Isak in case the Swedish striker leaves the club this summer. Newcastle have already made contact with Sesko's representatives and Leipzig and are ready to offer a proposal to convince the striker to move to the club.

However, Newcastle are facing competition from Manchester United, who are also in the market for a striker and are targeting Sesko. The 22-year-old striker would reportedly prefer a move to Old Trafford if United can agree a deal with Leipzig for him. Both United and Newcastle have also been linked with several other names for the striker position.