Asked how important Isak, who has three and a half years remaining on his current contract, is to the club’s long-term success, head coach Howe replied: “We have to try and keep our best players.
His presence on the same pitch as Manchester City star Haaland, who has 27 goals this term, on Saturday will inevitably invite comparisons, but may also highlight Newcastle’s need to keep their most potent weapon.
“That’s crucial to our short-term success and our long-term success, so sitting here as the manager of the football club, I’d be saying we need to keep the group together and we need to add the other way.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has signalled his intention to keep hold of coveted striker Alexander Isak as he prepares to go into Premier League battle with Erling Haaland.
Isak’s form has been a major factor in the Magpies’ recent improvement, his 18 goals in his last 21 appearances helping to ease them to a second Carabao Cup final in three seasons and to within two points of the top four.
