Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe would've caught Liverpool's attention by admitting his side have moved on without Alexander Isak.

"I don't think it's been healthy for us. I don't deny that's been a big challenge," Howe explained.

"Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world - if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap.

"I think morale was certainly affected early on during pre-season. There was nothing I could do to affect that - it was always going to be there.

"When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it's difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what's going on and how to react.

"But, as time has gone on, there has been an acceptance that this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation. That's always been my train of thought.

"Whatever situation you're in, you have got to find a way, and you can only control what you can control. We have moved forward, and I've got to say the atmosphere of the group has been very good in the last couple of weeks."