Isak going on ‘strike’ changed relationship – Howe

Eddie Howe says his relationship with Alexander Isak changed after the former Newcastle United centre-forward went on “strike” to force through a move to Liverpool.

Isak trained away from his former team-mates and did not feature in any of Newcastle’s opening three games of the season before completing a British record £125m switch to Liverpool on deadline day.Howe, speaking to reporters for the first time since the move went through, acknowledged communication between the pair “became difficult”.

“Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship,” he said. “I loved working with him. I hope he enjoyed working with us. “It was mutually beneficial. We helped him become the player he in part is today and he helped us as a team achieve some unbelievable milestones and was part of a very successful team.

“The moment he went on strike our relationship did change and that was probably a turning point in our relationship.”