There remains hope the midfielder will play again this season as he recovers from a thigh injury.
Howe said today: "I have not seen a great deal with him, he is dealing with it okay. I can sense from Joel that he is frustrated.
Advertisement
Advertisement
"He is someone who is desperate to give his all and he wants to be there for his team-mates so I sense some sadness in him, but determination too as he is pushing to get back quickly in a safe way."
On Joelinton's contract, which runs until June 2025, the manager added: "From a club side we are desperate to keep him - we know his qualities and we know what he brings, but there has not been any major update or change."