Eddie Howe admits he's 'not in full control' of Alexander Isak's future as Newcastle boss reveals state of play in transfer saga for £150m Liverpool target

Prolific frontman Isak, who has hit 62 goals for the Magpies through 109 appearances, is said to have tabled a transfer request at St James’ Park. He is now in the process of mulling over his options.

Newcastle are giving him time to make a big career call, with the 25-year-old playing no part in their pre-season plans. Isak was sent home from a friendly date with Celtic and was not included in the travelling party for a tour of Asia.

Isak is nursing a minor thigh injury, with long-haul flights set to do his recovery few favours, but he is also being freed to decide what happens next when it comes to long-term plans at club level.

Howe concedes that he can do little to influence those decisions, with Newcastle’s manager saying when asked for an update on Isak: “He is still our player. He's contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that's not in my full control. We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year.”

Isak still has three years left to run on his contract. Newcastle are under no pressure to sell as a result, with their talismanic No.14 said to come with a £150 million ($200m) price tag. Premier League champions Liverpool are still weighing up the merits of tabling a big-money bid.