Replacing a talent of Alexander Isak's ilk represents one of the hardest transfer tasks any elite club can go through in modern football. Not only do Newcastle United not want to send a message that they are a club that can be used as a stepping stone these days,

Howe left Isak out of the defeat to Celtic because of speculation and Isak missed Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia with what the club described as a minor thigh injury, while he has been training with his former club Real Sociedad in a bid to return to fitness.

Does Alexander Isak stay at Newcastle United? Will Liverpool secure Hugo Ekitike? Where will Yoane Wissa ultimately play? Plenty of action in the coming weeks.