Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe insisted that he was “confident” Alexander Isak would remain on Tyneside this summer, although he did reveal the telling impact of Liverpool’s very public pursuit of his striker.

Newcastle have only added Anthony Elanga to their squad this summer and Eddie Howe has revealed his frustrations with the club's transfer activity.

Isak was left out of Newcastle's squad for their pre-season friendly defeat at Celtic on Saturday, despite being fit.