Newcastle United have 15 days to turn what threatened to be a disastrous transfer window into a roaring success. Despite the frustrations of bids turned down, targets choosing other clubs . . . and Alexander Isak's transfer bombshell,

Newcastle remain in the market for another striker amid Alexander Isak's situation and desire to leave the club this month. But signing an elite centre-forward is easier said than done, as Newcastle have discovered this summer. "It seems like the striker market every year gets tighter and tighter," said Howe.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted the cold war with wantaway striker Alexander Isak is far from ideal as his side prepare to start the Premier League season without their prolific goalscorer.