Eddie Howe Seeks Clarity as Isak Trains Alone in SpainNewcastle United Face Summer DistractionPre-season is meant to be about unity, cohesion and preparation. Yet, Newcastle United’s build-up to

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has described the situation with Alexander Isak as “complex” and “far from ideal.” Isak has made it clear that he wants to leave Newcastle this summer and was left out of the squad for their pre-season tour to Singapore and South Korea.

No formal contact has been made between Newcastle and Liverpool, who saw an earlier informal approach for Isak swiftly rebuffed and pivoted to sign Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt. The Reds are prepared to lodge a record-breaking bid if Newcastle indicate any willingness to get a deal done.