Newcastle react to claims 'Alexander Isak said goodbyes' and Liverpool deal is done

Eddie Howe has addressed spreading speculation that Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has already said farewell to his team-mates at the club's Benton training ground. The rumours emerged on Swedish television, with claims that Isak had waited behind at their HQ on Friday for to share an emotional goodbye before a potential switch to Liverpool. However, Howe stated that he had "no knowledge" of such a meeting and insisted he "would know" if it had taken place.

During his post-match press conference after a 0-0 draw at Leeds, Howe also revealed he remains busy in the transfer market and said "On Alex's situation I have no communication and no update, we are still actively looking to recruit but I don't know if that has any relation to Alex's situation."

When questioned whether he had received a farewell from Isak, Howe responded: "No, I have had no communication." Pressed further on the alleged meeting with his team-mates, Howe added: "I have no knowledge of that, I can't tell you it didn't happen, but I certainly can't tell you it did.

"That is the first I have heard of it. I am pretty sure I would have known." Speaking to Sky Sports on the same topic, Howe commented: "I'm not party to any talks going on. I have been preparing for this game which is demanding enough. I will find out like everyone else.

"We can't wait for the finish line because we need clarity to move forward." Newcastle have signed Nick Woltemade but still want another striker, possibly Yoane Wissa.

Howe stated: "Being the manager you are always hopeful that you can maybe add one more that can make a difference but I am really happy with the work we have done so far and I think we are a lot stronger than last season. Fingers crossed we might be able to do some more."

In a boost for United, Woltemade is set to join the squad after the international break. Howe is eager to utilise the £69m star, saying: "He is a really good technician. His size will be a talking point because he is a big presence, but he is not a target man although he can head the ball.

"He has real creativity around the box, he can find space around the box and he can find passes that not many other players can see. So I think he can add a dimension we currently don't have and when you have goalscorers in your team the general level goes up.

"We are always looking to add multi-talented players. You don't want to be one dimensional. You have to have many strings to your bow to be successful in England. I think he has them and I am looking forward to seeing him play in our team.

"Any team in the Premier League would miss their centre forward, so I think we're in that bracket but we're also missing Anthony Gordon and Joelinton too.

"I don't think I can stand here and use that as an excuse. We still have very good players and can do more in that final third. It's never been an issue for us, scoring goals, so we need to turn that round very quickly."