Eddie Howe admits the Alexander Isak situation is ‘far from ideal’ but still hopes to see the unsettled star back in a Newcastle shirt after confirming the club rejected an offer from Liverpool. The 25-year-old Swede, one of the hottest properties in world football, has had his head turned by the Premier League champions’ interest this summer.

Alexander Isak is Liverpool’s latest target in what has been a lucrative summer recruitment drive and Eddie Howe has spoken out on the situation after the Reds had their opening bid rejected