Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are plunged into transfer drama before pre-season friendly against Celtic

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Celtic’s pre-season preparations are well under way.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have just completed a mini trip to Portugal, including Celtic beating Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday evening, and now attention turns to Newcastle United.

On Saturday, in front of a packed crowd in Glasgow, Celtic will host Newcastle for a mouthwatering pre-season friendly.

Of course, this might not be the only time the duo meet one another because they could face each other in the 2025/26 edition of the Champions League.

Either way, as Eddie Howe and Newcastle make the trip to the champions of Scotland, there is a lot of noise surrounding their players.

• READ MORE: ‘He’ll have a medical’ – Brendan Rodgers confirms Celtic’s seventh summer signing is close

Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike transfer drama ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Celtic

A lot of talk for the opposition is going to be around their star striker, Alexander Isak, and where his future lies amid interest from Liverpool.

The Magpies have already paid big money for right-sided winger Anthony Elanga, and hope to add Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike to their squad.

But Arne Slot’s Liverpool have Isak as their number one transfer target, and if they can’t get him, then they want to sign Ekitike.

Either way, it’s all a bit of a headache for Newcastle, as Isak could feature at Celtic Park because he was pictured in training after returning to pre-season.

Celtic’s remaining pre-season matches

The new Premiership season isn’t far away, as everyone is gearing up for Celtic’s opening match against St Mirren on August 3.

But before that, there are a few more friendly matches to deal with, including a lovely trip to Italy for the Celtic players and the fans.

There could be a Celtic reunion with Nicolas Kuhn, as the Hoops may face Como in the Como Cup next week.

• Celtic vs Newcastle United, July 19, 15:00 BST, Celtic Park
• Ajax vs Celtic, July 24, 19:30 BST, Como, Italy
• Como Cup Third Place Play-Off or Como Cup Final, July 26/27, Como, Italy