Turning their attention towards Real Madrid for attacking reinforcements, Newcastle United are now reportedly ready to launch an opening offer to sign a forward who already has a fan in Eddie Howe.
Isak still training alone at Newcastle
As much as there will be some relief that Alexander Isak is still a Newcastle player, the relationship between the Swede and the rest of those at St James' Park will still need time before it's as good as new. And Howe wanted to ensure that he was well aware of that after deciding to leave the forward to arrive for training once the rest of his teammates had left the building.
Howe warned that Isak would have to "earn the right" to train with the rest of the squad and has since proved that he's not bluffing. The Newcastle boss told reporters: "You have to earn the right to train with us.
"We are Newcastle United. The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad - you have to act in the right way. So that is also at play here.
"We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal."
Isak, meanwhile, still wants to leave the club and with just under a month remaining until the transfer window slams shut, the Magpies are still reportedly preparing for the worst-case scenario.
Newcastle ready to launch Brahim Diaz offer
According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are now ready to launch an opening offer to sign Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid worth €50m (£44m) if Isak departs this summer.
Howe is reportedly a fan of the former Manchester City man and could yet welcome him to Newcastle in an attempt to hand his side the attacking boost that they've been searching for all summer long.
A versatile player who can play on both wings and in attacking midfield, Diaz could join Elanga and potentially Nicolas Jackson in a new frontline at St James' Park this season.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) Diaz Elanga
Minutes 1,385 2,501
Goals 4 6
Assists 2 11
Successful Take-ons 24 25
Whilst Diaz struggled to break into the world-class frontline of Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior last season, he still showcased his ability when provided with the opportunity.
real-madrid-brahim-diaz-la-liga
Described as "important" by former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti even as he struggled to nail down a starting place, Diaz would thrive as a consistent starter elsewhere.
With unfinished business in the Premier League years on from leaving Manchester City, the Spaniard could hand Newcastle the attacking addition that they've been craving this summer.