Eddie Howe insists the drawn-out Alexander Isak saga is almost over and suggested a potential move to Liverpool remains possible.

Isak has been training separately after escalating tensions with a public statement on Tuesday accusing Newcastle of breaking prior commitments. The club swiftly issued a response, rejecting his claims.

The 25-year-old forward was confronted by angry supporters when he arrived at the training ground on Wednesday and continues to push for a transfer before the September 1 deadline.

“He won’t be available for the squad this weekend,” Howe told reporters ahead of Newcastle’s clash with Liverpool on Monday. “The club must always act in Newcastle United’s best interests. That will guide every decision. It looks like this is nearly resolved, or it will be concluded very soon.”

On Newcastle’s statement, he added: “It was a disappointing moment. Ideally, these matters shouldn’t play out publicly. They’re better settled behind closed doors. But it became necessary. The club responded and rightly so in that situation.”

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“He is still under contract with us. He’s our player. My hope was to have him on the pitch Monday. That won’t happen, and it’s a shame. But without doubt I want him back wearing a Newcastle shirt.”

Howe continued: “It’s a no-win situation. I don’t believe we can emerge from this in a way that looks like a victory.”

Newcastle are looking to add two strikers before the window shuts, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen identified as prime options. Their official statement suggested Isak might still rejoin the squad, but also hinted a transfer is possible — provided their valuation is met.

“We have been consistent that the conditions for a sale this summer have not materialised,” read the club’s stance. “We do not anticipate those conditions being satisfied.”

Liverpool had a £110m offer turned down earlier this month and haven’t returned with another bid yet. But on Thursday, Arne Slot indicated the Reds could still move for the Swedish striker.

“I’m pleased with the squad, but if a player appears who can truly improve us, this club has always proven willing to act,” he said. “But everything has to align: the right fee, the right role, and the player must want to join.”

“I’ve stayed silent for a long time while others pushed their version,” Isak declared. “That silence allowed people to promote narratives that don’t match what was genuinely agreed behind closed doors.

“The truth is promises were made, and the club has been aware of my stance for months. To now claim these issues are new is misleading.

“When trust is broken and commitments aren’t honoured, the relationship can’t continue. That’s the reality, and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not only myself.”