Newcastle United boss, Eddie Howe, insists he has not given up hope of reconciling with Alexander Isak, despite the striker’s public declaration that his time at the club should come to an end.
Isak triggered a storm earlier in the week when he took to Instagram, accusing Newcastle of reneging on an agreement that would allow him to leave amid strong interest from Liverpool.
He further underlined his desire to secure a move away before the transfer window closes on September 1.
The Magpies, however, pushed back on those claims, stressing that no official had ever promised the Sweden international a departure and that no suitable offer had arrived from any club.
In an ironic twist, Liverpool are next up at St James’ Park on Monday night. Yet Howe confirmed the 24-year-old will play no part, ruling him out for a second successive game following last weekend’s goalless draw at Aston Villa.
“He is contracted to us. He is our player,” Howe told reporters in a press conference largely dominated by questions about the striker (via Aljazeera). “My wish is that he’d be playing on Monday night with us, but he won’t be, and that’s regrettable at this moment.
“But 100 percent I want to see him back in a Newcastle shirt.”
Howe admitted the club felt it necessary to publicly address Isak’s post, though he stressed his preference would have been to settle the matter privately.
The manager also revealed that the Swede continues to train separately from the first-team group and that the pair have not met since the fallout.
“There’s no issues between us,” Howe said. “Of course, it’s a difficult situation from both sides, and it’s far from ideal for both parties.”