Eddie Howe said the door is “well and truly” open for Alexander Isak to return to the Newcastle fold after the Magpies failed to make their chances pay in a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa.
The Magpies impressed in their Premier League opener at Villa Park but were left to rue the absence of wantaway tasliman Isak as they were held by the ten-man hosts.
Sweden international Isak has not been training with Newcastle since informing the club of his desire to join Liverpool during the summer, with travelling supporters heard directing chants against the 25-year-old at full-time in Birmingham.
But Howe has once again reiterated that there is still a future for Isak at St James’ Park if he wants it.
“Nothing has changed,” Howe said in his press conference. “The door is well and truly open. He has to decide what he wants to do.
“We would like a resolution. We need that clarity. You don’t need any kind of distraction.
“I am not in control of that. There is one person who can control that.
“Let’s wait and see. I have made my stance clear. I am concentrating on the team.”
Newcastle supporters appeared to chant “one greedy *******” about Isak after the game.
“The supporters acted really well today,” added Howe. “If afterwards, they want to say something, they are free to do that.”
Gordon braced for ‘wild’ Liverpool atmosphere amid Isak drama
Newcastle’s first home game of the season next week will be against Liverpool, the club on the other side of the Isak drama as they continue to try and land the striker.
“I think with everything that’s gone on, I’m sure the atmosphere will be a bit wild,” Gordon told TNT Sports after the game at Villa Park.
“I’m just excited to see the home fans back in the stadium again and it’s going to be a top game.”
Howe: ‘Outstanding’ Ramsey will add depth
Newcastle can celebrate a positive piece of transfer news with reports that Jacob Ramsey is on the verge of moving from Villa.
He was not confirmed in time to face his boyhood club but Howe suggested the move is close and spoke positively of what the 24-year-old will bring.
“It’s getting closer for us but I don’t know the stage it is at,” said Howe.
“He will offer strength in depth in that midfield area after losing Sean [Longstaff] and Joe [Willock].
“He’s an outstanding player.”
