The Sweden international has asked for a transfer in the past week admid big money interest from Liverpool and Al-Hilal.
Speaking from Newcastle's preseason base in Seoul, Howe told the Daily Mail: "He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.
"We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year."
On their slow market so far, Howe also said: "It is an important time for us. There is lots to take in. We have to bring the right type of player in. We should in no way act out of character and should work how we always have in the window. That is in a strategic way.
"If the right player isn’t available to us for the right price, then we can't do the deals. Everything has to fall in line. We are looking to add depth and quality to the areas that we have identified. Fingers crossed we can get deals done."