Newcastle United star Alexander Isak could return to Eddie Howe's squad before the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The Sweden international finds himself at the centre of a transfer storm after missing the Magpies preseason tour of Singapore and South Korea.
Isak told Howe and the Newcastle hierarchy of his desire to 'explore opportunities away from the club this summer' with Liverpool now chasing the 25-year-old.
Howe has confirmed a first bid of £110m from Liverpool has been rejected, as Newcastle hold out for closer to £150m, and Isak has returned to Tyneside after a spell training with his old club in Spain,
His call to train back at Real Sociedad is rumoured to have caused friction, as it was not signed off by Howe, and Isak has been training alone since his comeback on August 6.
As part of his exile, with Howe stating he must 'earn the right' to train with the squad again, Isak was also not involved a squad get-together and family barbecue on their training return.
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Howe will not hold a media conference before the two final preseason games of the season against Espanyol on August 8. and Atletico Madrid a day later, both at St. James' Park.
Reports from local outlet the Chronicle Live claim Howe is open to using Isak in at least one of the games, despite his lack of training with the squad.
However, the Daily Mail's Craig Hope has indicated Howe will keep him out of the St. James' glare until their is an update on his future.
Hope adds Isak is undeterred in his goal of leaving Newcastle and contact with Liverpool is ongoing.
Isak did not feature in the games against Carlisle United and Celtic, before the flight to Asia, and his last club appearance came in the final league game of 2024/25 on May 25.
Liverpool are open to a second bid, but there will be no moves made by Arne Slot until Howe signs a replacement, as talks continue with Brentford star Yoane Wissa.
The current indication is that Isak will start the season as a Newcastle player, but his involvement is unclear, with a home tie against Liverpool on the cards on August 25.
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