Arne Slot shows sympathy for Howe but Isak pursuit is strictly business

Arne Slot, the Liverpool head coach, has expressed sympathy for Eddie Howe, the Newcastle manager, over the Alexander Isak transfer saga. Slot revealed that he has exchanged messages with Howe, whom he believes will one day coach the England national team. However, Slot's sympathy is limited by the fact that Isak is not the only talented forward available to Howe. Isak, the Sweden international, has effectively "downed tools" in an attempt to force a British record transfer to Liverpool. The Premier League champions have made a £110m offer for Isak, which remains on Newcastle's table. Liverpool's pursuit of Isak has contributed to a challenging summer for Newcastle, as they have also signed his potential replacement, Hugo Ekitiké. Despite the personal connection between the two managers, the friendly overtures may not be reciprocated when Liverpool visit St James' Park on Monday evening, as Isak's absence from the match will be conspicuous.