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

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

• Isak seeks Newcastle exit
• Not with squad for pre-season tour
• Howe issues update on striker

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.