Alexander Isak to Liverpool: Eddie Howe's private reaction with talks planned

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is relaxed amid suggestions that Liverpool are preparing to make a bid for star striker Alexander Isak. Magpies boss Howe has already held informal talks with Isak, 25, regarding his future and more detailed discussions are planned.

The Sweden international has interest from a host of European giants including Liverpool, who are splashing the cash in the summer transfer window. The Reds have already spent a cool £185million on Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.

Liverpool are also keen on signing Marc Guehi, as they aim to capitalise on their newfound status as Premier League champions. Anfield chiefs might not be done there either, with a bid for Isak understood to be a possibility as Darwin Nunez edges closer to joining Napoli.

Newcastle have no intention of selling, though, and the Chronicle report that Howe could lead on new contract talks when his first-team squad return for pre-season training on July 7. It's been theorised that the imminent departures of CEO Darren Eales and sporting director Paul Mitchell from St James' Park have delayed negotiations.

The report adds that Howe has been in contact with Isak over the summer break for talks described as quiet and he's calm about the situation. Despite the Swede's current contract not expiring until June 2028, Newcastle would be willing to hand him a new deal.

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Isak enjoyed his most prolific season in a black and white shirt last term, scoring 27 goals in all competitions. The Magpies' £63m club-record signing netted one of those at Wembley as Newcastle beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in March and his form helped them secure a return to the Champions League.

Howe has been on record admitting that Isak's situation is 'complex', with Newcastle needing to toe the line of financial fair play. Earlier this year, chief executive Eales - whose replacement, like Mitchell's, is yet to be confirmed - insisted that the club are under no pressure to sell their star players and directly referenced the 25-year-old.

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"They're all under long-term contracts. We have no intention at all of those players being moved on. We're not under the gun or anything like that," Eales said.

"We've got an ownership that is ambitious and wants the best for the club. So from that perspective, it would be crazy for us to consider it. We're striving, as a club, to be at the top table. We want our best players here. I think it shows the value of Isak that they talk about him all the time. We're not looking to move any player on."

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