SINGAPORE: Newcastle manager Eddie Howe insisted Saturday that Alexander Isak is still a Newcastle player despite speculation around a move to either Premier League champions Liverpool or Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Isak has not traveled with Newcastle for their pre-season tour of Asia, apparently because of a minor thigh injury, but Howe said the 25-year-old Swedish striker was a key part of his plans. “Of course, there are always going to be things going on behind the scenes,” Howe told reporters in Singapore, where Newcastle play Arsenal on Sunday.

Alexander Isak wants to explore his options for a move away from Newcastle this summer as he misses the pre-season tour of Asia.

Newcastle have said Alexander Isak has not travelled to Asia for their pre-season friendlies because of a minor thigh injury