Transfer speculation surrounding Alexander Isak took a fresh twist on Tuesday, July 29, when manager Eddie Howe admitted the future of the Newcastle striker was “not in my control.”
The club has not yet received a formal offer for his services.
Isak reportedly confirmed last week that he was keen to explore options away from St James’ Park, with big-spending Liverpool said to be leading the race for the 25-year old’s signature.
The Swede has not joined his team-mates on their pre-season tour of the Far East.
Although Howe is desperate for Isak, who still has two years left on his contract, to stay on Tyneside, he admitted that could be easier said than done.
Isak ‘still our player’
Speaking before his side take on K-League Stars in Seoul on Wednesday, July 30, Howe told journalists:
“He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. 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. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year.”
Liverpool continue to be linked with Isak despite strengthening their forward ranks last week with the acquisition of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Ekitike was previously a transfer target for Newcastle.
With the impending departure of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, plus the possible departures of Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot could well be tempted to open his chequebook again.
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news: Reds to sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich
James backs Isak to shine at Anfield
It would take a British-record transfer fee to tempt Newcastle to sell their prized asset.
But former Liverpool goalkeeper David James believes the addition of Isak would put the Reds in a great position to defend their Premier League title.
He told the Press Association: “Arne is in the most wonderful position to be able to defend titles.
“Liverpool will give it the best they can, but there is a bigger carrot of ‘can you be dominant in Europe?’.
“Bringing in someone like Isak is not the most viable signing, but when you want to be achieving on multiple levels then you are going to need that squad.”
He added: “If Isak comes in – if – then it will be because Liverpool will feel they need him rather than having the money just to get someone.”
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Geoffrey H. Latayan 
Vivien Bernardino