Eddie Howe says Newcastle United are in “a very good place” despite ongoing questions over Alexander Isak’s future and his absence from their pre-season tour of Asia.The Magpies face Arsenal in

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has said striker Alexander Isak’s future will be decided by the club’s ownership..

Eddie Howe has admitted Newcastle have a decision to make on Alexander Isak's future but reiterated his hope that the striker will stay at the club this season.

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

Two of last season's top-five finishers in the Premier League meet Sunday at Singapore National Stadium in Kallang, as Arsenal and Newcastle United clash well away from the United Kingdom.

Newcastle United has struggled to land its top targets this summer and could now lose Alexander Isak to a Premier League rival.

However, it was Arsenal's 15-year-old academy products, midfielder Max Downman and centre-back Marli Salmon, who also impressed with their cameos and were the main subject of Arteta's post-match press conference, with the mood surrounding the club fairly postive.

A few weeks can make a huge difference in evaluating a club's season outlook, and the flurry of reports regarding star striker Alexander Isak have put a worrying cap on a troubling fortnight at Newcastle United.

There’s reason for hope, though. “Newcastle are targeting RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, who has been linked with several European clubs this summer,” suggests the club has its eyes on top-tier talent. Sesko is dynamic, raw, and full of upside. If paired with a player like Larsen, the duo could even rival Isak’s individual impact.

Eddie Howe admits that Newcastle United’s board “have a decision to make” when it comes to Alexander Isak’s future, but insists that whatever the outcome it must be in the best interests of the club.

Max Clark has signed a one-year contract to remain with Newcastle Falcons for the forthcoming season. Clark initially joined Newcastle on a three-month deal last December, which was subsequently extended until the end of the campaign. The 29-year-old former Bath and Dragons player scored two tries in his 11 appearances for the Falcons.