Big-name £59m striker could play for Newcastle United at Sheffield Wednesday – Howe bulldozes transfer rumour

Swedish international striker Alexander Isak cost the mega-rich Magpies a whopping £59m in the summer but hit injury strife just three appearances into his Toon career.

With Howe expected to make a raft of changes for the FA Cup third round clash at Hillsborough on Saturday evening, there has been speculation Isak could be set for a senior return.

“Let's get through training today,” a non-committal Howe told the media ahead of the clash.

“I'm not clear - I just don't want to put pressure on him and we want to introduce him at the right time. He's getting closer all the time and he has trained. Let's wait and see.”

Howe also took the time to quash the possibility of a transfer rumour doing the rounds elsewhere over the January loan switch of hotly-rated prospect Elliott Anderson.

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Midfielder Anderson was linked with Wednesday and others in January but played his way into Newcastle’s first team plans and has played eight times in the Premier League this season.

Howe said: “He's very valued by us. He's had a number of niggles over the last couple of months which have prevented him being involved more. He's got a valuable role to play with us between now & the end season - we certainly won't be loaning him anywhere.”

Whatever team is sent out by the Magpies, the high-flying Premier League side will be strong favourites – and it’s up to Wednesday to spring an upset as they so nearly did in the Carabao Cup against Southampton.

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“It's going to be down to me to try to get the balance right of how we prepare for this game and what team we pick,” Howe continued. “We want to win the game and want to go through.

“The biggest thing is how we approach the game & the mentality of the group. Their motivation levels, professionalism, desire. We're under no illusions that it'll be a difficult task but it'll be more difficult if we're not in the right place ourselves.”