Topics: Alexander Isak, Thierry Henry, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Transfers, Football, Premier League, Eddie Howe
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has responded to fresh speculation on Alexander Isak - as Thierry Henry told the club what to do with their wantaway striker.
The Magpies take on Liverpool at St James' Park on Monday evening, but as much attention has been on off-field matters as the game itself over recent days.
Isak publicly demanded to leave Newcastle in an Instagram statement last Tuesday, with the Swede desperate to sign for Liverpool.
The Reds saw a £110 million bid rejected for the 25-year-old last month, with the Magpies reportedly demanding in excess of £150 million to complete what would comfortably be a British record sale.
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Isak remains unavailable to play for Newcastle and he is training away from the first team.
The 25-year-old has earned comparisons with Henry due to his direct playing style and finishing ability - and the Arsenal legend has advised Newcastle on how to deal with the situation on Monday Night Football.
"I think with the season he had last season," he said. "He's up there with the best strikers in the league at the moment.
"It's kind of weird seeing it from afar. Do I rate him? Yes, I think he's a great striker. But when you have a player in this type of situation, where he wants to leave, it's because he's good that people are getting upset. When a player is not good and a club wants him out, I don't see anyone crying for the player. So I can understand the fans and the club.
"They must have said something to him, Newcastle replied, you always hear that. You've heard it before. We never know the whole story.
"All I say is, at one point, you cannot put yourself in the situation where you don't come to training.
"I think the best thing for him, for everybody, is if he can leave. But I also do believe that, when someone makes a mistake - if he sees it as a mistake after - and he apologises, then we can move on. If he starts to score goals and play the same way as last year, Newcastle fans will be okay about it.
"The best thing for me, right now, the best for Newcastle and Liverpool, is if he goes. But if someone apologises, if it's seen as a mistake, I would accept it if I was the club. But he needs to apologise if he wants to come back."
Prior to the Liverpool clash, Newcastle boss Howe was asked to give an update on the Isak saga.
He replied: "No, absolutely nothing to update you with, unfortunately.
"I'm not going down well here, am I? I've got nothing to tell you on that [incoming strikers]. We were training this morning so I've been preparing for the game - I've not had any updates on that."
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Howe did issue a lengthier comment on the striker.
"I don't think the club will allow that situation [Isak leaving without a replacement being signed].
"We certainly can't go through the season with no recognised striker at the football club. And that's no disrespect to Will Osula, I think he's doing really well and progressing really well, but he's got limited experience in the Premier League."
