Slot and Howe have shared text messages, though they've gone silent as Liverpool have attempted to prise Isak away from the Toon.
Ahead of tonight's clash at St James' Park, Slot was asked if the drama has affected his relationship with Howe.
“I don't know,” Slot said.
“The only manager I've ever texted with was Eddie Howe (in the Premier League ). In Holland I texted with a few more, but after the League Cup final we did exchange a few messages.
"If I see him I will be the same as I was last year, and I expect nothing different from him as well. On a higher level, I have no clue. For me it's still the same relationship with him.”
Slot continued: “In general I have sympathy for Eddie Howe because he is a great human being, he’s always polite, so that is my general feeling about him.
“It’s maybe not a coincidence that I’ve texted with him because I think he’s a very nice and honest, polite colleague. For the rest, I don’t need to have sympathy for a manager that can still have the availability of (Anthony) Gordon, (Jacob) Murphy, Elanga, (Harvey) Barnes.
“They didn’t replace (Callum) Wilson did they? You don’t need to have sympathy for a manager who has so many good players in his squad. But in general, I think I like him and I don’t think it will be a surprise to anyone if eventually he is going to lead the national team of England as well. Good human being and a very good manager.”