Eddie Howe fielded eight questions on the striker during Saturday's 15-minute press conference. The situation is beyond a distraction now

Alexander Isak is now one of the most sought-after players of the summer. While Newcastle is eager to keep their star striker, both Liverpool and Al Hilal are ready to break transfer records to sign him.

Isak is set to cost a new British record fee, with Newcastle demanding over twice as much as the £63m they paid Real Sociedad three years ago. He could cost as much as £150m if Newcastle play hardball. It remains to be seen whether or not Liverpool can afford such a spend outright this summer, but those funds may yet be raised through three deals.