Eddie Howe makes concerning Newcastle transfer admission in latest Alexander Isak twist

Eddie Howe says Newcastle remain keen on bringing in new faces over the next fortnight but admits: "It's more hope than expectation."

Regardless of Alexander Isak's future, the Toon are keen to bring in a new striker because they are yet to replace Callum Wilson, who left at the end of his contract in June.

And late in a window where the majority of their rivals have already welcomed in new No9s, Howe said: "It seems like the striker market gets tighter every year. Maybe that's because we have continued to grow as a team.

"There's not many players of that calibre to make us better and when they're potentially available the price seems to go up, and then you are dealt other challenges like PSR, how much you spend in the window, the long-term effects if you do the transfer.

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"It is not as clear as going out and getting any player. They have got to fit the team, make us better and be affordable. That's not a large group of players."

Newcastle had been keen to pursue Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro earlier in the summer – only for all four to join other clubs.

Howe continued: "We're actively looking in the market. We're working hard to bring players in, more out of hope than expectation."

Asked whether there was any development to Isak's situation on Saturday afternoon, Howe added: "Nothing's changed. The door is well and truly open but he has to decide what he wants to do.

"We would like a resolution. The ownership, everyone, the players we have, want that clarity. You don't need any distraction. I'm not in control of that. There's only one person in control of that."

Asked if he means Isak, Howe added: "Alex is in control of what he does. I'm not in control of him." And in terms of Isak being fined for not being part of the matchday squad, Howe was unable to add clarity when adding: "Other people deal with that issue. I'm concentrating on the team."

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