By OkayGoal 
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted that the future of Alexander Isak is not in his control amid links with Liverpool in the summer transfer window.
The striker did not fly out with the team to Singapore last week as they embarked on their pre-season tour of Asia after telling the club he wants to explore his options.
Liverpool made an informal approach to the Magpies over a possible £120 million move for Isak a fortnight ago, which was swiftly rebuffed.
The Reds remain interested in signing the Sweden international, despite signing Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69m (€80m) plus £10m (€12.5m) in add-ons. The French forward was also a transfer target for Newcastle.
Howe last week confirmed that Isak would be not be joining the squad for the South Korea leg of the tour due to the ongoing saga.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe makes Alexander Isak transfer admission
Speaking to the media in Seoul on Tuesday, he said: “He is still our player. He’s contracted to us.
“We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.
“We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year.”
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