Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has directly addressed fans to make a promise about Alexander Isak's potential transfer to Liverpool.
With just one week left in the transfer window, rumours linking Newcastle United star Isak with a move to join Premier League champions Liverpool this summer will not go away.
The striker has been strongly linked with Anfield for several months, with both Isak and Liverpool boss Arne Slot viewing it as their dream transfer.
Despite the rumours, Newcastle United have stood firm in their stance that they would only consider letting their player go if they receive a record fee and they are able to sign two strikers as replacements for him and Callum Wilson.
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With Liverpool set to travel to St James' Park for a Premier League clash with Newcastle on Monday, Isak will no doubt be central to any drama, leading Howe to make a promise to all Newcastle fans about the striker's future.
After Isak released a damning statement on social media while also refusing to train with his Newcastle teammate in order to force the move to Liverpool, St James' Park is expected to be tense on Monday night.
But before the match gets underway, Howe has assured Newcastle fans that the club will only allow Isak to join the Reds if they sign his replacement in the coming days.
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When asked by media if Isak could leave the club without a replacement being signed, Howe assured: “I don’t think the club will allow that situation to happen.
"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.”
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Despite joining from Sheffield United last year, Osula is yet to start a Premier League match for Newcastle, with winger Anthony Gordon playing as a striker during their goalless draw at Aston Villa, something which Howe isn't keen to do for long.
"Anthony can play right, left and potentially down the middle, something he has done before. I don’t think anyone can fill Alex’s boots, and Anthony knows that himself," Howe admitted.
With just one week left in the transfer window, it remains to be seen if Newcastle can sign a new striker before September 1.
However, several players have been linked with a move to St James' Park, with both Brentford star Yoane Wissa and Wolves' Jorgen Strand-Larsen believed to be the top targets.
Topics: Newcastle United, Alexander Isak, Liverpool, Eddie Howe, Premier League, Football, Transfers, Transfer News
Ben McCrum