The Sweden striker has made it clear he does not want to feature in the Premier League opener
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United chases the ball during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Everton
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United(Image: George Wood, Getty Images)
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe admits he may make another attempt to sway the mind of Alexander Isak.
The Sweden striker has not kicked a ball for the Magpies in anger since the end of last season and is now woefully short of match fitness.
Isak, who is believed to have been advised to hold out for a move to Liverpool, must now wait to see if the Reds return to the table with a fresh bid for his services.
Howe is refusing to slam the door shut on Isak despite his questionable approach and reported refusal to play for Newcastle again.
When asked if there was a way back to the team, Howe, speaking at his Press conference ahead of the Aston Villa, said: "Yes, I believe there is.
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"But, of course, discussions and talks would need to take place for that to happen. But, again, that’s for another day.
"Today is Aston Villa and making sure we perform as well as we can. I understand why your questions are filled with that subject but it doesn’t really help as at this moment."
Howe has also hinted that Isak's future is essentially in his own hands and when asked if the ex-Borussia Dortmund man will play before the window shuts, he added: "I don’t know. As I sit here now I don’t know that. Alex will control that."
What is crystal clear going into the new season is that Howe is desperate to re-integrate Isak, he said: "You want to see him with the squad, you want to see him happy and enjoying his football. He is contracted to us. He is here, so for me that (him training alone) is an unfortunate situation.
"Me and Alex have enjoyed a great relationship and I don't think he'd have done as well as he's done without that, and without his teammates and the supporters and the backing of the whole football club,
"He recognises that as well. He's a highly intelligent person and he knows he wouldn't have the success here without everybody connected with Newcastle.
"This is a different moment for him and us and we're working through that together."