´No chance´ of Isak joining Newcastle for Asia tour, claims Howe

Alexander Isak will not be joining Newcastle United’s squad for the rest of the club’s Asia tour, so says Eddie Howe.

Isak did not travel to Singapore for the first match of Newcastle’s pre-season tour, with the club citing a minor thigh injury.

However, reports subsequently emerged that Isak had asked to leave Newcastle. Liverpool and Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal have been heavily linked with the 25-year-old.

Newcastle went down 3-2 to Arsenal on Sunday, and will now head to South Korea to take on a K-League XI before they face Tottenham.

When asked if Isak could link up with his team-mates for the rest of the trip, Howe said: “No, no chance.”

Howe added there has been no change in the situation with Isak, who netted 23 Premier League goals last season.

Anthony Elanga, who is Newcastle’s only first-team signing so far this summer, scored against Arsenal, though Howe knows there is plenty more work to be done.

“We’re not deluded,” he added.

“We know we need to bring players in. We’ve known that. We know what we wanted. It’s been a challenging window.”

Newcastle have missed out on Hugo Ekitike, who has instead joined Liverpool, while Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford seems set to sign for Manchester City.

The Magpies have bid for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, but so far have been unable to strike an agreement with the Bees.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, meanwhile, has been mooted as a potential replacement for Isak should the latter leave.