Arne Slot has said the sympathy he feels for Eddie Howe over the Alexander Isak affair is limited by the fact the Liverpool transfer target is not the only talented forward available to the Newcastle manager. Slot revealed Howe is the one Premier League manager he has texted during his Liverpool reign and believes the 47-year-old will eventually coach England. Friendly overtures, however, may not be reciprocated when Liverpool visit St James’ Park on Monday evening.
Isak will be conspicuous by his absence from Newcastle’s first home game of the season, having in effect downed tools in an attempt to force a British record transfer to Liverpool. The Premier League champions have contributed to a trying summer for Newcastle, turning Isak’s head while also signing his potential replacement, Hugo Ekitiké. Their £110m offer for the Sweden international remains on Newcastle’s table.
