Alexander Isak has been left out of Newcastle's pre-season squad, with Eddie Howe ruling out the striker joining the squad in Asia. Howe also stressed the need to make new signings amid a disappointing window for the Magpies.
Pictured: Eddie Howe says Newcastle need new signings amid doubts over Alexander Isak's future
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has ruled out Alexander Isak taking part in his team's Asian tour and admitted the club is in dire need of new players.
Isak was left out of Newcastle's squad for their pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea last week and also missed the 4-0 win at Celtic amid intense speculation over his future.
The Magpies initially attributed Isak's absence to a minor thigh problem, but it was later revealed that the Swedish striker had informed the club of his desire to explore other options this summer.
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This summer, Isak has become a target for Liverpool, who have shown interest in the striker.
After the defeat to Arsenal in Singapore, Howe was asked if there was a chance of Isak joining the team for the tour to South Korea and he replied: “No.”
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Sky Sports News' Mark McAdam reports that Liverpool are set to accept a £66m bid from Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz as the clubs reach an advanced stage of talks. But what does this mean for Isak's future?
It is another blow in a deeply disappointing transfer window for Newcastle, who have missed out on key transfer targets Hugo Ekitike and James Trafford to Liverpool and Manchester City respectively, and have also struggled in their attempts to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissou .
After a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in pre-season, when asked about the need for further attacking reinforcements, Howe replied: “Of course we are not deluded. We are aware that we need to bring in players, we have known that for a long time.”
“We did everything we wanted at the end of last season. It was a difficult period, we'll see what we can do.”
What's the latest on Newcastle's pursuit of Wissa?
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Sky Sports News' Mark McAdam reports that Yohan Wissa still hopes to join Newcastle and has no desire to play for Brentford again.
Brentford striker Vissa hopes Newcastle have not abandoned plans to sign him.
It is understood Newcastle remain interested in a deal but are considering alternative options as Brentford insist Wissa is unavailable – particularly after the loss of Bryan Mbeumo , Christian Norgaard and head coach Thomas Frank .
Vissa is reportedly unhappy and believes he was given promises he could leave this summer following Ivan Toney's departure last summer. One source told Sky Sports News,
Sourse: skysports.com
