Want-away Newcastle striker Alexander Isak is unlikely to feature in the opening game of the Premier League season at Aston Villa, the club manager Eddie Howe has admitted.
Isak has asked to leave Newcastle this summer with Liverpool willing to sign the Swedish forward. The Reds £110m bid was rejected but there are reports Arne Slot’s side will offer a new bid before the transfer window closes.
The 25-year-old Sweden international was not involved in Friday night’s 2-2 Sela Cup draw with Espanyol at St James’ Park, and he will not figure when Howe sends out his side against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Speaking about Isak’s situation, Howe said: “I’d want Alex to be playing today, I’d want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us – let me make that absolutely clear.
“There’s no part of me that doesn’t want that outcome but I don’t see that changing before Aston Villa, the current situation we’re in.”
Asked if the club could simply dig in their heels and refuse to sell their star frontman, Howe said: “I don’t think it’s that straightforward, otherwise we’d have done that a long time ago. I don’t think we’re in a position to do that currently.
“I don’t want to go into too much detail because I don’t think that’s right. I think I’ve said enough.”
Isak has cut a lonely figure at the Magpies’ training ground since his return to Tyneside having been ordered to work away from the main group following his non-appearance for the club’s pre-season trip to Singapore and South Korea.
His indication that he wants to explore his options this summer, coupled with Liverpool’s bid – Newcastle value him at closer to £150m – have created a tense stand-off.
Isak’s unhappiness has left the club with a major decision to make – cash in now and make a significant profit on a man who cost them £63m three summers ago, or try to persuade him that his future remains on Tyneside and that he should sign a new contract to replace his existing deal, which has three years still to run.
