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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been asked about Alexander Isak again amid ongoing transfer interest from Liverpool in the 25-year-old, who netted 23 league goals last season.
Last week, Newcastle rejected an offer worth around $148 million (£110 million) from the Reds for the Swedish striker. It made clear at the time that the player wasn't for sale in its eyes, though he still wants to make the switch.
Since then, the North East side has attempted to bring in a couple of forwards who could end up replacing Isak. It went big for Benjamin Sesko, only to be trumped by Manchester United.
"We’ve had discussions and it’s clear at the moment we can’t have him involved with the group," Howe said, via the Daily Mail's Craig Hope, after Newcastle drew 2-2 with Espanyol in a friendly. Isak was left out of the matchday squad, as expected.
"I don’t know how long that will be for. It’s clear I can’t involve him with the team at the moment. He is training later than the rest of the squad. There have been discussions since the tour. I don’t think disciplinary action has happened.
"He is here, so of course he has a future at Newcastle. From our perspective, we would love to have him back with the team, but the situation has to be right for that to happen."
Now, Newcastle is hopeful of getting a transfer deal over the line for the Brentford striker Yoane Wissa. That would be for a fee of around $47 million (£35 million).
Wissa has made it clear to Brentford that he wants to take the chance to join a Champions League club. According to Sky Sports, the Bees are looking to sign Bournemouth's Dango Ouattara, who is open to that switch, and that could set the wheels in motion.
Newcastle has also been linked with the PSG and France striker Randal Kolo Muani today, and FC Porto and Spain forward Samu Aghehowa, who was formerly at Atletico Madrid.
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For Newcastle to reluctantly agree to let Isak leave, it has always seemed likely that it would have to bring in another player to replace him. But this summer has not been easy for the Magpies, who are currently operating without a sporting director.
The likes of Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike have been targeted but Newcastle has been beaten to the pair. Sesko was at one point thought to be keen on the switch but has seemingly picked Old Trafford instead.
Liverpool will face Newcastle in the second game of the new season. The Reds are scheduled to play at St James' Park on August 25 in what could be a fiesty encounter.
Liverpool.com says: It is clear that Isak wants the move but he will have to remain patient. It's perfectly understandable that Newcastle won't let him leave without having someone else through the door to play up front.
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