'Not really in my dictionary' - Alexander Isak's future at Newcastle isn't 'irretrievable' but Eddie Howe admits club are looking at replacements

Newcastle were rocked by the news that star striker Isak expressed his desire to leave the club and join Premier League champions Liverpool instead. Despite the 25-year-old refusing to play for the Magpies again, manager Howe has suggested there is a way back for the Swede. However, after Callum Wilson's summer exit and the ongoing Isak situation, the former Bournemouth boss says the Toon "need a bit more" in attack.

He told The Times: "The word ‘irretrievable’ isn’t really in my dictionary. Communication is going to be the key and at some stage we might be able to change things. At the moment we are in a position where that’s not possible, but I like to think that we will be able to reassess as we go. That he will always recognise that this is a very special team and a very special club. It’s been a tough period because a lot of the media attention has been negative, which is difficult on the players. The narrative spreads. We are trying to challenge that and to say to the squad, ‘We are OK.’ Yes, we are currently minus one massive player, but we don’t yet know how that situation will change. Everyone here is fully committed and that is great."

On new signings, he added: "We have a bit of time. The issue we have is that we didn’t just lose Alex [Isak] but also Callum Wilson from last season so we are definitely looking to buy. We have a really good recruitment team, but as you know we are missing a few key appointments [the absence of a chief executive and director of football] so it’s been a challenge. Our recruitment at the club has so far been really strong. But we need a bit more."

Despite Howe appearing to offer Isak an olive branch, the former Real Sociedad man has reportedly gone on strike in a bid to sign for Liverpool. Many Newcastle fans are appalled at his actions, as is Arsenal legend Ian Wright, but whether or not his agitation tactics secure that Anfield switch is up in the air. Incidentally, Newcastle are targeting Brentford's Yoane Wissa but also want another forward for the new season.

It remains to be seen if Isak, who still has three years left on his contract at St James' Park, will stay at Newcastle when the transfer window closes in just over two weeks or if Liverpool will submit a huge offer to prise him away from the north east outfit.