Isak going nowhere, claims Newcastle boss Howe

Eddie Howe is refusing to consider the notion of selling Alexander Isak, with the Newcastle United boss insisting the club is on the same page.

Isak scored his first hat-trick for Newcastle on Saturday, as Howe’s side dismantled Ipswich Town 4-0 at Portman Road on Saturday.

The 25-year-old netted the opener in the 26th second, bringing up Newcastle’s fourth-fastest goal in a Premier League match.

Isak, who Newcastle signed from Real Sociedad in 2022, has now scored 10 goals in 15 Premier League appearances this term, averaging a goal every 120 minutes and outperforming his 8.6 expected goals.

Speculation has mounted that Newcastle will have to sell one of their star names if they are to reinvest heavily in their squad in the January or summer transfer windows, but Howe is adamant no thought has been paid to allowing Isak to leave.

“There’s no part of me or anyone at Newcastle that wants to let Alex go,” said Howe, as reported by BBC Sport.

“He’s very much part of our long-term plans. He’s first class.

“He’s motivated and wants to do well. He has big aspirations with his career but he’s still relatively young. His desire to score goals is second to none and regarding his future, everything has been positive. I would love for him to contribute to us winning a trophy.

“I don’t think contract talks have started, but he has a long contract and when the time comes that will be discussed by Alex’s representatives and the football club.

“He’s very popular in the dressing room and that’s not always the case with an out-and-out goalscorer. He plays for the team, not just for himself, and he’s always willing to learn. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”

Isak became just the second Swedish player to score a Premier League hat-trick, after Freddie Ljungberg for Arsenal at Sunderland in May 2003.

“Alex is a world-class talent,” said Howe. “The way he took his goals, he has that coolness and composure very few have. When you add into the mix his technical skills, I think he’s got it all.

“He’s a player with a real confidence and we’re seeing a return to his really best levels – that’s highlighted by the goals he has scored.”

Isak said: “It’s been a long time coming for Newcastle, my first [hat-trick] here.

“I’m buzzing. Scoring goals will give confidence and help me and the team. It doesn’t matter if it’s one, two or three.”