Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted he doesn't know whether Alexander Isak will return to training with the club in the next few days, throwing the striker's future into more doubt amid links with Liverpool.
Isak has of course been linked with a move to Anfield throughout the summer, with the Reds seeing a $146 million bid turned down on Friday.
Liverpool currently has no plans of launching a second bid given Newcastle's prompt response, and the Magpies' continued stance that Isak is not for sale. Some reports though have suggested another offer later in the summer window can't be ruled out, especially with the 25-year-old seemingly wanting the move to Merseyside.
Isak is expected back at Newcastle soon, with the striker returning to the north-east after training alone at former club Real Sociedad after sitting out the Magpies' tour of Asia.
Newcastle had cited a thigh injury for his absence, but subsequent reports have since indicated the decision was made by Isak himself as he eyed up an exit.
That of course means he missed out on his current side's 1-1 draw with Tottenham in South Korea on Sunday, with Howe asked after the game whether he expects his prize asset to return to training with his fellow teammates.
Liverpool has had a first bid for Alexander Isak turned down
Liverpool has had a first bid for Alexander Isak turned down (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.)
“Of course I'd like him to be, but whether he will I don’t know at this moment in time," Howe admitted. "Other people have been dealing with that situation back at home.”
Isak's future remains uncertain, with it not clear yet whether Liverpool might return for the Sweden international after having a bid turned down for him on Friday.
Whether the Reds make another play might depend on Newcastle finding a replacement for Isak before the end of the transfer window, with the Magpies currently pursuing RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.
Eddie Howe has admitted he doesn't know whether Alexander Isak will return to training with Newcastle
Eddie Howe has admitted he doesn't know whether Alexander Isak will return to training with Newcastle
A first bid of $87 million, plus over $5.3 million in add-ons, has been turned down by the Bundesliga side though, and with Manchester United also in the running for his signature, Newcastle still has a lot of work to do.
Liverpool.com says: All eyes will be on Newcastle over the next few days then. No doubt Liverpool fans will be waiting for those first reports to come out indicating whether Isak has returned to training with his club or not.
Even if he is determined to get a move to Anfield, Liverpool and Arne Slot might well prefer him to return to training at Newcastle regardless. If the Reds are to make another move for him, they'd prefer him not to be undercooked in any way given how close the new season is now.