Newcastle United’s head coach has fanned the flames of speculation Alexander Isak's future despite Newcastle holding a strong position.

Alexander Isak (25) is expected to remain at Newcastle United despite interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool and Saudi Arabia’s PIF-owned Al-Hilal, according to a report this Saturday from

Isak was left out of Newcastle's squad for their pre-season friendly defeat at Celtic on Saturday, despite being fit.

NEWCASTLE MANAGER EDDIE Howe excused Alexander Isak from travelling to their friendly with Celtic to shield him from transfer speculation but is confident the striker will remain at St James’ Park. Isak went home as the rest of the squad returned from an Austrian training camp on Friday but he was never earmarked to play in Glasgow.

Alexander Isak was absent from the Newcastle squad which was beaten by Celtic in a pre-season friendly on Saturday - and Eddie Howe then clarified why he'd been left out

Isak, 25, is not only admired for his goalscoring prowess and intelligence in the final third but also for his ability to adapt to different tactical systems. With uncertainty surrounding Darwin Nunez and possible interest from the Saudi Pro League, Liverpool appear to be evaluating elite alternatives.

Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United is uncertain as fresh interest from abroad sparks speculation over a potential summer move.

Newcastle believe patience is required and, while they have already had to recalibrate after failing to secure top targets, the interim transfer team — driven by Andy Howe, the assistant head of recruitment and Eddie’s nephew, and Steve Nickson, the head of recruitment — are continuing to pursue multiple deals across several positions.