Overview

• Eddie Howe sent Alexander Isak home from the Celtic friendly to shield him from transfer speculation and stated he expects the striker to remain at Newcastle.
• Newcastle United has set a minimum valuation of £150 million for Isak, making clear it will not entertain bids below that figure.
• Liverpool have cooled their pursuit of Isak and are now focusing negotiations on Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
• Arsenal have shifted their attention away from Isak and are advancing on a deal for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.
• Isak’s agent, Gonzalo Gaitan, says they are studying all options and may be close to finalising the player’s next move.