'Oustanding' Howe praised for conduct in Isak stand-off

AMID all the gloom surrounding Alexander Isak’s transfer bombshell this summer, one man has emerged from the mess of claim and counterclaim with flying colours.

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He may not feel like he has, after his summer transfer plan was turned on its head, but former Newcastle and England defender Stuart Pearce feels United head coach Eddie Howe has conducted himself “absolutely brilliantly” throughout a tough period.

Howe would dearly love to have Isak available to him when Newcastle take on Liverpool tomorrow night, but he will again be without the 25-year-old as he continues to sit games out until his standoff comes to a conclusion.

It has created a difficult situation, with Howe, pictured, left to front up to questions on the player's future in pre and post-match media duties.