Slot Offers Sympathy to Howe Over Isak Affair

Liverpool manager retains businesslike outlook over pursuit of unsettled striker

- Andy Hunter

Arne Slot has said the sympathy he feels for Eddie Howe over the Alexander Isak affair is limited by the fact the Liverpool transfer target is not the only talented forward available to the Newcastle manager.

Slot revealed that Howe is the one Premier League manager he has texted during his Liverpool reign and believes the 47-year-old will eventually coach England. Friendly overtures, however, may not be reciprocated when Liverpool visit St James' Park this evening.

Isak will be conspicuous by his absence from Newcastle's first home game of the season, having in effect downed tools in an attempt to force a British record transfer to Liverpool. The Premier League champions have contributed to a trying summer for Newcastle, turning Isak's head while also signing his potential replacement, Hugo Ekitike. Their £110m offer for the Sweden international remains on Newcastle's table.

Slot expects an "intense" night at St James' Park and, although Liverpool's pursuit of Isak is strictly business, he recognises the effect a player going on strike will have had on his opposite number. "In general I have sympathy for Eddie Howe because he is a great human being," the Dutchman said. "It's maybe not a coincidence that I've texted with him because I think he's a very nice, honest and polite colleague.