Howe confident Newcastle will find ‘X factor’
LONDON:Eddie Howe is confident that goal-shy Newcastle will discover their “X factor” as they adapt to life without star striker Alexander Isak. The 26-year-old Sweden international joined Premier League champions Liverpool for a British-record fee of £125 million ($169 million) on transfer deadline day, ending a protracted saga. Howe plugged the huge gap in his front line with a club-record £69 million swoop for Germany international Nick Woltemade late in the transfer window while Yoane Wissa arrived from Brentford in a deal worth £55 million. Woltemade, 23, is still finding his feet in the Premier League while a knee injury has prevented 29-year-old DR Congo forward Wissa from making his debut. “In an ideal world you have a full pre-season to iron out any issues you have,” Newcastle manager Howe said on Tuesday. “You’re forming your partnerships and team relationships so they’re formed for the start of the season. “We’re in the position where we’re going to have to do it as we play.