Alexander Isak is not included in Newcastle United’s squad for the preseason tour of Asia amid ongoing speculation about his future with the club.

Newcastle have said that Isak will miss the tour with a minor thigh injury.

Sources told ESPN earlier this week that Al Hilal have explored a deal for Isak.

Isak has also been linked with a move to Liverpool.

He was left out of Newcastle’s friendly with Celtic on Saturday with Howe saying he could not guarantee he will still be at the club at the end of the transfer window.

“I think it’s difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player,” Howe said. “I’d never sit here and do that because it’s football and you never know what can happen.

“But Alex is happy at Newcastle. He loves the players he plays with, the staff, the team and I’ve never had any issue with him.”