Eddie Howe drops huge Alexander Isak transfer hint and it's good news for Liverpool

Newcastle are being forced to confront life without star striker Alexander Isak as they prepare to take on Aston Villa in the Premier League this weekend. Eddie Howe has acknowledged that his side will 'have to find a way' without the Swede's services, which may prick the ears of those associated with Liverpool.

Isak continues to train away from Newcastle 's first team squad as he attempts to push through a transfer to Arne Slot's side. The forward will be unavailable for the first match of the season on Saturday and appears to have no intention to represent Newcastle again.

The 25-year-old missed the Magpies pre-season tour of Asia and spent time training at former club Real Sociedad's base. Liverpool have seen their efforts thus far, knocked back and do not plan to return with another offer for Isak unless encouraged to do so.

Isak has not yet given up on an exit however, despite having three years remaining on his contract at St James' Park. The forward could yet be fined over his continued absence in the coming days.

Newcastle boss Howe has admitted the situation has disrupted his side. The ex-Bournemouth head coach conceded that Isak being unavailable leaves a significant hole in the squad.

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"I don't think it's been healthy for us," Howe said. "I don't deny that's been a big challenge.

"Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world - if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap."

"I think morale was certainly affected early on during pre-season," he added. "There was nothing I could do to affect that - it was always going to be there.

"When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it's difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what's going on and how to react.

"But, as time has gone on, there has been an acceptance this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation. That's always been my train of thought.

"Whatever situation you're in, you have got to find a way and you can only control what you can control. We have moved forward and I've got to say the atmosphere of the group has been very good in the last couple of weeks."

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