As he tackled the uncertainty surrounding Isaac, Howe told the BBC: “I don’t think it’s healthy for us. I don’t deny that it’s a big challenge. Alex is, for me, one of the best strikers in the world – if not the best.
“When you have a good player who is not part of your group, it’s hard to get the player to fully understand it and know what’s going on and how they react.”
“As time passed, we’ve embraced that this is a team. We have to make the most of the situation. It’s always been a line of thoughts.”
The Magpie boss was also keen to talk about Isaac’s situation in a pre-match press conference and highlight his “great relationship” with the striker.
He continued: “There was no change. We’re focusing on tomorrow’s Aston Villa. Isaac’s situation will remain clear for a while, and that remains true.
“I’ve had a great relationship with him. I need to partner with all the players. I have to work really closely with the players for his benefit.
“I don’t think Isaac would have done that without that, his teammate and supporter. He knows that. He’s an intelligent person.”
When asked if ISAK would be featured at Villa Park on Saturday, Howe pulled the card close to her chest and said, “I want him to play and train him, but the details of our conversation will remain private.”
Newcastle is reportedly approaching an offensive strengthening to mitigate Isaac’s potential losses as it agreed to a fee in the £40 million region to sign Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey.
“I’m really happy, this summer was a slow burner,” Howe explained.
“We tried to act early, but that didn’t happen, and then you were trying to turn things around in a positive way.
“Gradually, we’re getting stronger. We’ve got high quality players in. The top edge of the pitch isn’t ideal, but we have time.”
