Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted he is “not in full control” of Alexander Isak’s future as Liverpool continue to be linked with the Swedish striker.

Swedish star has tabled transfer requestPlaying no part in Magpies' pre-seasonFormal transfer offers are yet to arriveFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Prolific frontman Isak, who has hit 62 goals for the Magpies through 109 appearances, is said to have tabled a transfer request at St James’ Park. He is now in the process of mulling over his options.

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Newcastle are giving him time to make a big career call, with the 25-year-old playing no part in their pre-season plans. Isak was sent home from a friendly date with Celtic and was not included in the travelling party for a tour of Asia.

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Isak is nursing a minor thigh injury, with long-haul flights set to do his recovery few favours, but he is also being freed to decide what happens next when it comes to long-term plans at club level.

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Howe concedes that he can do little to influence those decisions, with Newcastle’s manager saying when asked for an update on Isak: “He is still our player. He's contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that's not in my full control. We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year.”