Shay Given reckons that Newcastle United's summer was "overshadowed" by the bitter Alexander Isak affair - but feels Eddie Howe's judgement in the transfer market is now shining through.

Isak's £125million sale to Liverpool rocked fans at St James' Park as the Sweden international went on strike before forcing his move to Anfield on deadline day.

The former Ireland international believes Newcastle are currently enjoying the better end of the deal.

The jury was out on Tyneside as Newcastle spent £69m on Nick Woltemade then £50m on Yoane Wissa and other big signings like £55m Anthony Elanga and £35m Malick Thiaw settled down amid the shockwaves of Isak's departure.

But with Isak struggling at Liverpool and Woltemade and co capturing the imagination of fans at Newcastle, Magpies legend Given is impressed with the direction his old club is heading.

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Given said: "Last summer Alexander Isak going on strike overshadowed...