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Newcastle United issued a statement on Tuesday insisting that it didn't expect to lose Alexander Isak this summer following the Swede's claim that the club had "broken promises" that were issued to him.
And now the North East side has seen a bid rejected for another striker as it continues to attempt to bolster its forward line. Brentford's Yoane Wissa, who scored 19 times in the Premier League last season, has long been the subject of interest from Newcastle, but Eddie Howe's side has so far been unable to seal a deal.
According to The Athletic, Brentford has rejected the Magpies' latest offer for Wissa, which is worth around $54 million (£40 million) including add-ons. It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will return with another bid.
Wissa has long been someone that Newcastle has targeted. Having lost Callum Wilson, Howe needs depth in the number nine position, so even signing the African would not necessarily facilitate a move elsewhere for Isak.
"We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer," the club statement from the Magpies read.
"We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views. As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions, and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired.
"We do not foresee those conditions being met. This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates."
While that did not completely rule out a sale — it suggested that the conditions required were unlikely to be met, but did not categorically say that it was impossible that they could be — it has certainly thrown a spanner in the works for Isak.
In addition to Newcastle finding a replacement for the Swede — and that process will only take longer now the latest offer for Wissa has been knocked back — Liverpool would also have to reach a point where Newcastle was satisfied with a bid placed on the table for its star man.
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With around 12 days remaining until the transfer window closes, it remains to be seen what happens next in the saga. To add further intrigue, Liverpool plays Newcastle next in the Premier League.
On the opening weekend of the season, Newcastle fans turned on Isak and labeled him "greedy". Howe then insisted after his team's goalless draw with Aston Villa that the door was still open for the player to rejoin his teammates and be reintegrated.
"Nothing has changed, but the door is well and truly open," Howe said. "But yeah, he has to decide what he wants to do."
Liverpool.com says: Isak putting out the statement that he did on social media, accusing Newcastle of breaking promises made to him, feels like a point of no return. Climbing down from that and going back to play for the club again will take a long time, if it is possible. So far, though, the Magpies' stance has not altered.
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