Isak Transfer Saga: Manager Eddie Howe Upbeat as Newcastle Eye Late Additions

Newcastle United is lacking in attacking options for the start of the season, since Wantaway striker Alexander Isak is not available, but there is still time to add the right players before the transfer window closes on 1 September, said Eddie Howe manager.

Newcastle has passed a slow start of the transfer window, in which wing player Anthony Elanga arrived from Nottingham Forest at the beginning of July.

Various activities did not progress before they signed defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton in August.

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«The upper end of the field is not ideal, but we still have time. We are still active in the window – we would like to add one or two. But it is now quality over quantity,» Howe told reporters on Friday.

“Initially a lot of frustration because we tried to be active early, but that did not happen. It is no one, we have gradually become stronger.

«The team has a good depth and we have to be resilient enough to endure a difficult season. The list of fixture is ruthless. It is an important two weeks, we have to do a little more.»

The top scorer of Newcastle last season, Isak, who seems determined to leave the club, has trained away from the team. Howe confirmed that the 25-year-old Sweden International will probably not appear in their opening Premier League match in Aston Villa on Saturday.

«There is no change in the (Isak) situation. All my focus has been on the training, villa and the transfer front in terms of bringing in players-that is all that consumes for me,» said Howe.

«I want to play (Isak). I want him to train. I have had those conversations (with him).»

Asked if Isak could be integrated again with the team, Howe said: «Yes, I believe there is (one way), but of course there should be discussions and conversations to make that happen, but that is for another day.»

«At the moment I (expected to stay), but I have no change in feeling. It is not in my hands, but he has contracted us and that’s why I say that.»

After winning the League Cup last season, Newcastle Aston Villa put on target difference to finish fifth in the Premier League and to secure the last spot of Champions League.