Alexander Isak is now one of the most sought-after players of the summer. While Newcastle is eager to keep their star striker, both Liverpool and Al Hilal are ready to break transfer records to sign him.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says the settling of Alexander Isak's future at St James' Park "has to be right for Newcastle". The 25-year-old striker is considering his future at the club amid interest from Premier League champions Liverpool.

Eddie Howe fielded eight questions on the striker during Saturday's 15-minute press conference. The situation is beyond a distraction now

A few weeks can make a huge difference in evaluating a club's season outlook, and the flurry of reports regarding star striker Alexander Isak have put a worrying cap on a troubling fortnight at Newcastle United.

Here are some of the boss' key answers around Isak, his squad's fitness and transfer activity. Eddie Howe wants to keep Alexander Isak at the football club. That is a view shared by the ownership on Tyneside. There is still every chance he remains at St James' Park beyond the summer.

Eddie Howe admits that Newcastle United’s board “have a decision to make” when it comes to Alexander Isak’s future, but insists that whatever the outcome it must be in the best interests of the club.

Arsenal, the other team widely credited with holding serious summer interest in Isak, had long given up on landing him. Instead, they had virtually secured the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, his compatriot, before the Newcastle striker’s transfer desire was revealed.

Dan Burn did not hold back. Speaking while on international tour duty, the Newcastle defender laid bare how crucial Alexander Isak is to Eddie Howe’s project. With Liverpool circling and speculation reaching fever pitch, Burn captured the mood inside the camp: one of apprehension and unease, shared by a recent report by GOAL.COM.

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has told the club he wants to explore his options this summer, putting it in a very tough situation.

Then there are Isak’s wages. His exact demands are unknown but given his status as one of the world’s leading players a range of £250,000 to £300,000 a week is far from unreasonable. At that level, the hit to a club would be £15m-£18m annually.