Newcastle’s manager Eddie Howe insisted on Saturday that Alexander Isaac is still a Newcastle player despite speculation about a transfer to either Premier League Liverpool or Al Hilal champions in Saudi Arabia.

Isaac has not traveled with Newcastle For their pre-season tour in Asia, apparently due to a minor thigh injury, but Howe said the 25-year-old Swedish striker was a major part of his plans.

“Of course, there will always be things that happen behind the scenes,” Howe told reporters in Singapore, where Newcastle Play Arsenal on Sunday.

“He is aware that he is in the news every day, which I am sure is not easy for anyone in that situation.

“Conversations between Alex and the club or with me will stay private for obvious reasons. We share a good relationship,” Howe added.

Isaac, who scored 23 Premier League goals last season, has been “Wonderful for us as long as he has been with us,” Said Howe. “And he is very comfortable in the dressing room.”

Isaac did not travel with Magpies as thigh damage kept it out of Newcastle’s friendly loss Celtic Last week.

“He mentioned before the Celtic game that it would be very minimal and nothing very serious,” Said Howe.

“But he left the training too early and didn’t feel good. So he is now back to Newcastle, assessing that damage.”

Howe remained sure that Isaac would wear black and white when the new season begins next month.

“I said after the match against Celtic that I was sure he would stay. I see nothing that would change that thought of mine at the moment.

“Football footballs,” he added. “And who knows what the future can bring.”

Magpies completed their 70-year-old trophy drought by winning the Carabao cup and ended up in the Fifth place in the Premier League last season to secure a return to the Champions League.

“I think that after you have experienced that feeling of profit, you want it again. So we want to do it again as soon as possible, in all the races we are,” Said Howe.

“We put the bar very high, and there are a lot of ambitions within the team.”