Isak controls for us before whether he will play the end of the window

NEWCASTLE United boss Eddie Howe looked laser-focused on the 2025/26 season - despite the ongoing Alexander Isak saga behind the scenes at St James’ Park.

- By LEE RYDER

Grainy smartphone footage of Isak training alone in the corner of the club’s Benton base emerged on social media just days away from the opening game of the new campaign at Villa Park.

It is a sight that Howe and the fanbase don’t want to see, but the head coach made it clear that little had changed in the two weeks since Newcastle returned from the Far East.

After two sessions with journalists at St James’ Park last weekend, after the 2-2 draw with Espanyol and the 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid, Howe had been firm with his stance on the Sweden striker, insisting he was still a United player.

As talk of Liverpool continues, the feeling is now that the ball is in the Reds’ court in terms of returning with a new bid - something Anfield insiders insisted would not happen.

Howe faced a packed Press conference for the first time ahead of today’s Premier League game, and unsurprisingly, the questions rained in.

Here’s what Howe answered on the wantaway Sweden centre-forward, who remains a Newcastle player.

Are the squad moving on from Alexander Isak?

Howe was asked if his squad should shut out thoughts on the £63m Sweden striker and replied: “I think we do. He's not here with us, so we have to focus on who is here and get the best out of every single player in the squad that’s fit and available, and that’s always been the way.”

Have the players shown signs of his absence?