Eddie Howe is pushing for a “transformational signing” as Newcastle United prepare record buy Alexander Isak for a January return.
The Newcastle boss is keen to bolster the Toon from a position of strength and confirmed he has been studying targets. Sweden international Isak has not played since September after scoring three goals in four games, after suffering a leg muscle injury. Howe admits the £55million star might be feeling guilty over his absence, but says he hopes to be ready to make an impact in January.
That would lessen the need to spend, but Howe said: "We would love another transfer like (Bruno Guimaraes) because I thought it was transformational for the team and for the group. They are difficult players to find but that's our job to try and find them and we will endeavour to do that.
“I am not pretending to watch players, I am watching them, with a view to signing them. I am not acting that out when I am alone at home!”
Isak could also have a bigger role if fit as United try to maintain third place form, restarting the season at Leicester on Boxing Day. Howe said of Isak’s fitness battle: “We’re hoping he can play a big part in a busy January. Alex is out running and he’s kicking a ball. But when you re-injure a part of your body, as he did, we have to be careful.
“He’s nearly there. We just have to make sure that when he steps onto the pitch he is fully ready. I don’t want a half ready player. I’d say it’s been very difficult for him, without being in his head. I’ve had a feeling of that, going to a new club. I moved to Portsmouth and never played really, just two games.
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“I had a lot of emotions running through me, feelings of guilt and letting people down, my body not being able to allow me to execute what I wanted it to. Alex will no doubt feel those emotions to some degree. I know that feeling, you want to go and prove yourself at a new club and to new supporters. He just hasn’t been able to do that.
“There can also be benefits. Sometimes when you’re away from the spotlight you can get to know your team-mates and the club. You can begin to feel at home so, when you do step back on the pitch, you’re more comfortable in your surroundings. We have to look at the positives and hope he comes back and makes a real impact for us.
“He scored at home and scored at Liverpool, where he performed brilliantly. There is a very good feeling around him. There is just a frustration from a supporter’s side that they haven’t seen more of him, because I think they know he’s an outstanding talent. “
