Alexander Isak
IMAGE CREDITS: Liverpool Football Club
Alexander Isak, who scored 23 Premier League goals last season, has yet to feature for Newcastle United in their preparations for the new campaign.
The 25-year-old was left out of the squad for their 4-0 defeat to Celtic amid growing transfer speculation.
He did not travel to Asia for Newcastle’s pre-season tour, missing matches against Arsenal, K-League XI, and Tottenham.
While a minor thigh injury was initially cited as the reason for his absence from the tour, Isak has since been instructed to train away from the first-team squad.
“You have to earn the right to train with us,” Eddie Howe said.
“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.”
Liverpool have already made an approach for Isak with a £110million bid, but the offer was swiftly rejected as the Magpies hold out for their £150million valuation of the Sweden international.
Despite the setback, the Reds are expected to continue monitoring Isak’s situation closely as the summer transfer window enters its final weeks.
For Newcastle, attempts to strengthen their own attacking options have been met with frustration.
The club had expressed interest in Eintracht Frankfurt sensation Hugo Ekitike, but the Frenchman instead sealed a £79million move to Liverpool.
Talks for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko initially appeared promising, but the 22-year-old is now on the verge of joining Manchester United, having travelled to undergo a medical on Friday ahead of signing a long-term deal.
Attention has now reportedly turned to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani.
According to Chronicle live’s Lee Ryder, Isak is absent from Newcastle United’s matchday squad for tonight’s friendly against Espanyol B as he trains alone behind the scenes.
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