Newcastle United are set to make another attempt to secure the services of Swedish striker Alexander Isak, in preparation for their upcoming clash with Leeds at Elland Road at the weekend.
Eddie Howe confirmed on Friday that the club's owners, PIF, would not allow Newcastle to start the first half of the new season without a senior striker. This means that Isak's potential move to Liverpool will not be approved unless a replacement is found before the transfer window closes.
After receiving exorbitant demands for Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen and Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, it seemed as though Howe was running out of options by the end of last week.
The Isak situation was put on hold while preparations for the Liverpool match intensified, but United are prepared for a second bid from the Reds before the transfer window closes.
Howe hasn't given up on Isak just yet and plans to have further discussions with the Swedish international.
It remains uncertain whether Isak will be willing to rejoin the squad following his controversial decision to skip the club's Far East tour and train alone in Spain last month.
Insiders at St James' Park suggest that the only way for Isak to secure a move to Liverpool is for the Reds to submit an offer of around £150million.
Ahead of the Liverpool match, Howe stated: "We are making decisions based on what we think is the best for Newcastle United.
"They are being strong on the valuations of players and on how a player leaves the football club, all of these things are important. They are important on this situation and also the future."
Isak issued a forceful statement on Instagram last week making it abundantly clear that he was keen to depart Newcastle.
And when asked whether PIF would release their own response, Howe commented: "I don't think they are trying to make any overall big statement, but just reacting to this individual statement."