The striker is unlikely to play for the Magpies in their Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday (16.08.25) as he bids to force through a move to Liverpool but Howe insists that his club are determined to hang on to the marksman.

The coach told reporters: "There has been no change. All my focus is on Aston Villa tomorrow. Isak's situation has been clear for a while and that will continue to be the case.

"I always want to be there for him. I don't think Isak would have done as well without that, his team mates, the supporters - he recognises that, he's an intelligent person."

Newcastle have only registered one win in pre-season with Isak absent and Howe believes that the speculation over the Swedish international's future has unsettled the rest of the squad.

He said: "In early pre-season, I have not shied away from it being a difficult time. You could see that in our performances.

"But the players are strong mentally, the mood has been good, performances recently have been better. The group has reacted well. Sometimes these things can have a good effect, and we were close anyway. These things can unify you in a way you didn't know possible."

Newcastle have endured a challenging transfer window this summer but Howe believes that there is more business to come as the Magpies close in on a move for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey.

He said: "I am really pleased, it has been a slow burner this summer. We tried to be active early, that didn't happen. Then you're trying to turn things in a positive way.

"Gradually piece by piece we have been becoming stronger. We have quality players coming in. The top end of the pitch is not ideal, but we have time."