Eddie Howe says the future of Alexander Isak “has to be right for Newcastle”, amid ongoing speculation about whether the striker will stay at St James’ Park this summer.
There have been media reports that Liverpool have been interested in Isak, who was the second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League last season with 23 goals.
The Swede has not travelled to Singapore with the squad for Sunday’s pre-season friendly against Arsenal, with Newcastle stating he has a thigh injury.
“Of course there's things going on behind the scenes,” said Howe during a pre-match press conference. “He will be aware he’s in the news every day and I'm sure that’s not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that happen between Alex and the club, or Alex and myself, will stay private for obvious reasons.
“We do share a really good relationship with him. He’s been magnificent for us for as long as he’s joined. He's very popular in the dressing room as I’ve said before.
“We’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle. All I would say on the broader picture is whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle.
“We’re in a very strong position financially. We’re determined to be successful, we’re ambitious. We have got a great season ahead of us and we need to add to the squad and continue to improve, and the journey can continue in an upward trajectory. That's what we all want so that’s what we’re battling to achieve.”
Asked if Isak would stay, Howe said: “I said against Celtic after the game (on 19 July) I certainly hope he stays, and I said I was confident that he’ll stay.
“I don't see anything that’s going to change that opinion of mine at the moment, but it's football and who knows what the future may bring?
“As far as I’m aware I don’t think there are any contract talks taking place at the moment. I think that will be for a later date potentially.
“I think for now with the situation as it is, and the state of the (transfer) window in the sense that it’s hurtling towards the end of the window very quickly from our perspective, there’s still so much that could happen. Those contract talks potentially may take place at a later date.”
After their match against Arsenal, the Newcastle squad will head to South Korea for friendlies against a K-League Select XI on 30 July and then Tottenham Hotspur on 3 August. It remains to be seen whether Isak will be involved in either match.
“He first mentioned his thigh before the Celtic game," said Howe. "We assumed it would be a very minimal injury, nothing too serious. Then I think on the Monday after the Celtic game, he went in for training very early and didn't feel right so he’s now in Newcastle getting that injury assessed.
“Hopefully he'll be back soon and playing in the black and white shirt. That's what we all want to see."