Eddie Howe has told talkSPORT that Newcastle are looking for a resolution to the ongoing Alexander Isak transfer saga.

The Swedish striker didn’t feature in the Magpies Premier League opener against Aston Villa where they drew 0-0.

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This situation partly arose because he was excluded from training after refusing to join the pre-season sessions once the club turned down a £110 million bid from Liverpool for him.

Isak has reportedly responded by telling the club he won’t play for them again, and Howe has admitted that the ongoing saga has had an impact.

“We’re keen for a resolution because the consistent noise around the team isn’t helpful for any team,” he told Sam Matterface. 

“We’re aware of that, we would like closure on it, but we’re not in charge of when.”

Shedding light on the events of the summer, Howe mentioned: “We needed to shift the conversation surrounding us because it was all negative, and negativity can be overwhelming at times.

“We’ve consistently had players at this club who have put in considerable effort under challenging conditions, and we’ve always emerged as a stronger team for it.

“This is a unique situation and a difficult situation for the players to handle but today I think they were brilliant in their response. 

“Today was going to be a real test; pre-season can sometimes feel contrived, but we responded brilliantly. While I’m disappointed we didn’t win, there were numerous positives to draw from it.”

Howe was then asked if the outcome is either Isak being replaced in the transfer market, or he’s brought back into the team.

“I don’t know the answer to be honest. I’ve got no guarantee,” he responded.

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“We are exploring options in the market, but based on what we saw today on the field, Anthony Gordon was impressive as a centre forward; he managed to create chances and caused a sending off with his speed. 

“I prefer to concentrate on the players we currently have. I am confident that the off-field issues will resolve themselves, and soon we’ll know exactly where we stand.”

Gordon’s Liverpool warning

Gordon played as a centre forward in Isak’s absence, and seemed even more hopeful the team can move on from their off-pitch distractions.

Discussing the transfer saga with TNT Sports, he said: “It has been difficult because we’re such a tight knit group, so for that to almost… 

“We’ve never had any problems publicly so that being the first thing that’s happened has tested us, but you’ve seen today we’ve still got that spirit and togetherness.

“We work on it every day and it’s never going to go away regardless of individuals, we’re a top group and our togetherness is top and it always will be.”

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Asked if it could make their group stronger, he responded with the first of two warnings to their next opponents – Liverpool.

“Yeah it can [make us more together], but like I said we’re so together anyway,” the boyhood Liverpool fan said.

“Things like this can test you and make you better in the end and I think that’s going to be the case.

“I think with everything that’s gone on I’m sure the atmosphere is going to be a bit wild [against Liverpool].

“I’m just excited to see the home fans again and get back in the stadium, it’s going to be a top game.”