Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United is uncertain as fresh interest from abroad sparks speculation over a potential summer move.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said Alexander Isak missed the 4-0 preseason defeat against Celtic due to speculation linking him with a transfer.

Since Newcastle Under-21s returned to pre-season training last Monday, Robbie Stockdale has been leading the coaching on an interim basis. The former Sunderland caretaker manager was appointed as O’Carroll’s assistant back in February and is now in the running to be his successor.

Newcastle United’s pursuit of goalkeeper James Trafford remains stalled as Burnley hold firm on a valuation the Tyneside club refuses to meet, according to Chris Waugh of The Athletic. Burnley’s current asking price,

Newcastle United new boy Seung-Soo Park watched on at Celtic Park this afternoon after completing his summer move to St James' Park. The South Korean teenager was sat alongside Newcastle's new head of strategy Jack Ross in Glasgow and clapped his new side onto the field, while also getting plenty of pictures and videos.

Isak missing the Celtic match comes after a week in which he was subject to serious transfer interest from Premier League champions Liverpool, though no formal approach was made. Explaining Isak’s absence at Celtic Park, Howe said: “Yeah, both players are fit, but we just felt they weren't ready to play.

More Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Ipswich Town FC at St James' Park on April 26, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Getty Images

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says he decided the best decision for Alexander Isak at Celtic was to send the star striker home. Howe confirmed there had been no formal approach for Isak despite plenty of talk from the Liverpool end and he insisted there is a desire to keep the £63m man at St James' Park this summer.

Newcastle chased Joao Pedro but were always aware of his preference to move to London. So when Chelsea came in, United knew their fate. The Brazilian moved to Stamford Bridge in a