Alexander Isak is anxiously awaiting the final days of the transfer window, hoping for his move to Liverpool, while Newcastle United's first-team staff have left the decision to PIF. Eddie Howe, the head coach, has asked for time to concentrate on the players he currently has and those who are eager to play for the Magpies.
Newcastle have attempted to move past Isak by initiating talks with Wolves about Jorgen Strand Larsen, with discussions still in progress. Isak has been training alone for the past month, last joining his teammates in Austria for a training camp in early July. The striker then missed the club's pre-season tour of the Far East, leaving him severely lacking in match fitness.
After urging the player to return to training and participate in both friendly matches and the start of the Premier League season, Howe has delegated the responsibility of resolving Isak's future to the higher-ups, resulting in visits to the player's house by PIF and director Jamie Reuben last week.
Chronicle Live reports that Newcastle were anticipating Isak to accept Sweden's call-up for World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo at the beginning of next month. Last week, Howe stated he wouldn't waste any energy worrying about whether he plays for his country or not, with Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson checking on his fitness.
He previously stated: "I haven't spoken to JDT personally. I don't see how he's going to help the situation. I don't think it's anything for Sweden to deal with. The international side is very separate.
"He'll make his decision on what he needs to do, we'll make our decisions based on what we need to do. I'm aware of the links (JDT ex Newcastle striker) I don't think Sweden's decisions can help our situation at all."
Today, Tomasson remarked: "Alex is a very professional player, a strong character, and he has worked hard. He is a game changer.
"I have spoken to him several times; mentally, he is strong. What we have said stays between us, of course. Can he play 90 minutes? Of course not. Not at all.
"It is very difficult to have a clear opinion about the situation. We do not know what has happened in the club. We must be very careful about drawing hasty conclusions when we do not have the whole picture.
"He is smart enough, he is smarter than me I think."
The former Newcastle striker also commented: "I am very happy that Alexander Isak wants to be in the squad, he is a huge player.
"The situation he is in is not perfect and he has not trained with the team. But he is a player who can decide matches and he wants to be part of our squad. The World Cup is important for Alexander Isak."