'No chance' - Eddie Howe offers fresh Alexander Isak transfer update after Newcastle beaten by Arsenal in pre-season friendly

Newcastle United FC v Nottingham Forest FC - Premier League

Eddie Howe has issued an update on Alexander Isak's immediate future following Newcastle United's pre-season loss to Arsenal in Singapore.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Days after Isak expressed his desire to leave Newcastle this summer, Howe's team fell to a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in Southeast Asia on Sunday. The Sweden international is not with the Magpies due to a thigh problem, and now manager Howe has added that the 25-year-old will not join them in Singapore.

Celtic v Newcastle United - Pre-Season Friendly

WHAT HOWE SAID

When asked about the likelihood of Isak linking up with the Newcastle squad in the coming days, Howe replied: "No, no chance."

The former Bournemouth boss added: "Of course, we're not deluded. We know that we need to bring players in, we've known that for a long time. At the tail end of last season, we did all the work we wanted. It’s been a challenging transfer window, let’s see what we can do.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Newcastle have been rocked by Isak's desire to leave but reportedly want around £150 million ($201.5m) for his services. Liverpool are keen on recruiting the Swede, and so are Saudi Pro League teams, although a move there is less likely. If Isak is sold, Newcastle need to act swiftly in the transfer market to replace him and strengthen the squad.

Arsenal v Newcastle: Pre-Season Friendly

WHAT NEXT?

While this Isak transfer saga rumbles on, Newcastle's pre-season campaign continues with fixtures against a South Korean K-League XI on Wednesday, followed by a clash with Tottenham next Sunday.