The Magpies’ attacking situation remains in a state of flux, with Alexander Isak’s future still uncertain. Liverpool are expected to make an improved offer for the Swede, and while Eddie Howe appeared to be hinting yesterday that his relationship with Isak has suffered irreparable damage, it remains to be seen whether last season’s leading scorer is sold before the window closes at 7pm on Monday.
Newcastle are wrapping up the £65m of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart, but would still need to sign a second striker before sanctioning Isak’s exit.
Amid such a high degree of uncertainty, it would be understandable if Howe was keen to rule out any possibility of Osula leaving. However, with Bayer Leverkusen having been linked with both a loan move and permanent deal for the Danish youngster, the Newcastle boss refused to rule out his departure.
“That’s all for another day,” said Howe. “Regular football will be something he \[Osula\] needs for his own career at some stage, but whether that’s now or in the future, who knows.”
Osula scored his first goal of the season after leaving the bench in the closing stages of Monday’s defeat to Liverpool, and the 22-year-old has made considerable strides since signing from Sheffield United last summer.
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However, Howe appears to continue to harbour reservations over his readiness for regular game time in the Premier League. While Newcastle will be without the suspended Anthony Gordon at Leeds this afternoon, Howe is understood to be considering fielding Anthony Elanga as a makeshift striker rather than turning to Osula.
“I think anything is possible for Will,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to put any kind of restriction onto how he’s viewed. We will view him and judge him every day, like we do.
“He’s made great strides in a year. Sometimes, when you’re watching someone every day, and you’re so ingrained in their development, you can forget to see the giant leap that he’s made.
“I think his game is in a much better place. I think there’s more growth to come, naturally for someone so young. But he’s got ability and he’s got a talent, and he does score goals.
“He’s scored goals regularly in training, and he is quick and he is strong. He’s got all the attributes, and there will be a time where he has to play regularly to go to the next step, and he’s probably in that moment now.”