The release of a statement from Alexander Isak claiming his relationship with Newcastle United "can't continue" was a sad moment, Eddie Howe has said ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool.
Newcastle host Liverpool at St James' Park on Monday amid the backdrop of the Isak saga as the striker attempts to push through a move to the Merseyside club.
Liverpool have had one bid, believed to be worth £110million, for Isak rejected by Newcastle, who value the Sweden international at £150million.
Isak has refused to train with his team-mates or play for Newcastle, and his stand-off with the club took a public turn on Tuesday, as he accused the club of broken promises while articulating his desire to leave.
Newcastle responded, insisting no promises had been made to Isak. The club also made it clear their conditions for a sale had not been met and that they did not foresee them being met.
Their statement concluded by saying: "Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his team-mates."
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Howe echoed that sentiment in his press conference on Friday.
Howe regrets public Isak row
Asked about Isak's statement, Howe said: "It was a sad moment for me trying to deal with it."
Referring to Newcastle's reply, he added: "My preference is these things do not happen publicly. They are better dealt with behind closed doors.
But needs must. The club has spoken, and justifiably so in that moment.
"He’s contracted to us. He’s our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday. He won’t be, and that’s regrettable. But 100 per cent I want him back in a Newcastle shirt"
Can Isak be reintegrated?
It is thought that Newcastle would be willing to sanction a sale if they can sign two strikers, having already let Callum Wilson go this summer.
That looks an increasingly unlikely prospect, with Newcastle being frustrated by Brentford in their efforts to sign Yoane Wissa after missing out on a host of striker targets during the transfer window. Most recently, the Magpies have been linked with Jorgen Strand-Larsen from Wolves.
Should Isak stay, Howe will have the difficult task of reintegrating him into the squad.
However, Howe is confident Isak's can win back both his team-mates and the fans.
"Yes, I believe they can," Howe said when asked if the fans and Isak could repair their relationship.
"The fans will always react to the way a player plays. There is always two sides to a story. My job is to support him and care for him, and we will see where we are in a week’s time. I hope I can work with him again and get him back to his best."
On how the players feel, Howe added: "There's no doubt how the players will feel. I think they will feel the same way I do.
"If Alex decides to come and play for us, the players will welcome him back."
Newcastle news and related links
- Liverpool dealt injury blow ahead of Premier League clash against Newcastle
- Wayne Rooney claims there's 'no way back' for Isak at Newcastle
- Alexander Isak next club: Where Newcastle United striker could go if Liverpool transfer falls through