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Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has disclosed he might make a fresh bid to convince Alexander Isak to remain at the club.
Isak is holding firm for a switch to Liverpool and is absent from Newcastle's opening Premier League game of the new campaign as a consequence. Nevertheless, Howe has declined to dismiss the prospect of the striker featuring for Newcastle once more.
When questioned whether there exists a route back for Isak, Howe informed journalists: "Yes, I believe there is. But, of course, discussions and talks would need to take place for that to happen. But, again, that's for another day.
"Today is Aston Villa and making sure we perform as well as we can. I understand why your questions are filled with that subject but it doesn't really help us at this moment."
Yet, he also acknowledged that the decision rests firmly with Isak when pressed about whether there's a possibility the 25-year-old will return to the fold before the transfer window closes, with Howe responding: "I don't know.
"As I sit here now I don't know that. Alex will control that. You want to see him with the squad, you want to see him happy and enjoying his football. He is contracted to us. He is here, so for me that (him training alone) is an unfortunate situation.
"Me and Alex have enjoyed a great relationship and I don't think he'd have done as well as he's done without that, and without his teammates and the supporters and the backing of the whole football club.
"He recognises that as well. He's a highly intelligent person and he knows he wouldn't have the success here without everybody connected with Newcastle. This is a different moment for him and us and we're working through that together."
Newcastle is poised to impose a fine on Isak for his refusal to turn out against Aston Villa, with Howe acknowledging that the entire episode has significantly disrupted the club's preseason preparations.
"I don't think it's been healthy for us," he said.
"I don't deny that's been a big challenge. Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world - if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap.
"When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it's difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what's going on and how to react.
"But, as time has gone on, there has been an acceptance this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation. That's always been my train of thought.
"Whatever situation you're in, you have got to find a way and you can only control what you can control. We have moved forward and I've got to say the atmosphere of the group has been very good in the last couple of weeks."
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