Eddie Howe confirms Alexander Isak saga is 'coming to an end' as Newcastle prepare to host Liverpool in grudge match amid transfer battle

Weeks on from Isak expressing his desire to leave Newcastle, in a bid to join Liverpool, manager Howe has said this ongoing drama is drawing to a close. He added that the on-strike Swede will not play against Liverpool on Monday.

Howe told reporters on Friday: "[Isak] won't be part of the squad this weekend. The club has to act in the best interests of Newcastle United. It will do that in every situation It looks like it is coming to an end, or it will come to an end pretty quickly."

Isak appeared to rule out a Newcastle return after accusing the club of "breaking promises", something the Magpies were "disappointed" by. The Reds are yet to return with an improved offer after their initial £120 million ($162m) bid was rejected. An intriguing last week or so of the transfer window lies ahead.

While Isak will not feature for Newcastle in their next Premier League encounter, football fans will be eager to see whether or not the former Real Sociedad man will line up against Leeds United on August 30, with the summer transfer window closing on September 1.