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Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has made it clear that there's no set deadline for a verdict on Alexander Isak's future, but he acknowledged that the Liverpool-linked forward might depart this summer.
The Swedish frontman, who has shone brightly during his three-year stint at St. James' Park, is keen to consider opportunities beyond the Magpies. This leaves Newcastle facing the prospect of losing its star player, even after lifting a trophy and securing a Champions League spot.
Should Isak exit, it would likely demand a record-breaking fee from a British club, with Liverpool currently the sole Premier League side showing interest, alongside attention from Saudi Arabia. Isak's recent season saw him hit peak form in terms of goals, yet he remains absent from the team's preseason activities, primarily due to the ongoing rumors about his future.
Howe has stated that the club won't rush into any decisions as they contemplate what will benefit them in the long term.
He said: "I wouldn't put a timescale on it. I think with these situations, it has to be right for the football club, and everything then is taken into context below that.
"But the club will make the right decision with all the information that it has, and ultimately to try and move the club forward in whatever way that is. Then it's up to us to make good decisions the other way and try and improve the squad as best we can. That's what we're trying to do, regardless of Alex's situation.
"But I think there's a wider picture here. There's a whole football club that has to make the decision. The ownership, together with the board of directors, especially with the money involved in modern-day transfers. The manager, of course, has an opinion, but ultimately the decision will rest with the board."
He added: "Of course, there's things going on behind the scenes (with Alex). He will be aware he's in the news every day, and I'm sure that's not easy for anyone in that situation.
"Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons. We do share a really good relationship with him.
"He's been magnificent for us and he's very popular in the dressing room. We'd love him to continue his journey at Newcastle. I certainly hope he stays. And I said (last weekend) I was confident that he'd stay. I don't see anything that's going to change that opinion of mine at the moment, but it's football, and who knows what the future may bring.
"All I would say on the broader picture is whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle. We're in a very strong position financially. We're determined to be successful. We are ambitious.
"We've got a great season ahead of us. We need to add to the squad and continue to improve, and the journey can continue in an upward trajectory."
Liverpool has recently splashed out to secure Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt as its new No. 9, but this might not deter the club from re-entering the market to consider a deal for Isak. The Reds have already shelled out more than $300 million this summer, but they still have the capacity to spend significantly more if required.
This would be a massive setback for Newcastle, who has been open about its ambitions. Since their Saudi owners took over, the Magpies have managed to invest steadily and have kept hold of their star players up until now.
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