SEOUL, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Newcastle United coach Eddie Howe admits that he still doesn't know what the future holds for striker Alexander Isak.
Howe was speaking from Seoul, South Korea where his side plays Tottenham Hotspur in a pre-season friendly game on Sunday. Isak isn't with the squad after being left out due to a slight thigh injury and is currently working to get fit at the training ground of former club Real Sociedad in Spain.
Howe admitted he only learned Isak was in San Sebastian after seeing the story published online.
"I know where he is through the media, so I think from that perspective it's difficult for me to go into any detail," he commented.
Friday also saw the media report that Newcastle had rejected a bid of 110 million pounds (146 million U.S. dollars) for Isak from Liverpool, with Liverpool then reportedly ending interest in the striker, but Howe again insisted he is in the dark over events.
"I am very much removed from everything that is happening back home. I was made aware there was a bid yesterday. That bid was turned down before I heard about it. There are people back in England dealing with the situation," said the coach in a news conference.
Earlier in the week Howe had said that Isak's situation "wasn't fully" in the club's hands, although he wished to see the striker remain at St James' Park.
"I really don't know what is going to happen next but, from our perspective, we still support Alex in every way and my wish is still that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again."
"The situation is far from ideal. It is quite complex. I think that is all I have got to say," concluded the coach. ■
