With the news surrounding Isak and Ekitike, Newcastle quickly moved away from the deal for the Frenchman, and are said to now be interetsed in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. The Congo international could be available for around £50m, with the Bees holding that valuation for their record goalscorer, who grabbed 20 goals in all competitions last season.

Isak missing the Celtic match comes after a week in which he was subject to serious transfer interest from Premier League champions Liverpool, though no formal approach was made. Explaining Isak’s absence at Celtic Park, Howe said: “Yeah, both players are fit, but we just felt they weren't ready to play.