Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has expressed doubt as to whether star striker Alexander Isak will appear in the club’s season opener against Aston Villa a week today.
Isak, Newcastle’s leading scorer last season with 23 Premier League goals, has been training away from the rest of the first-team squad after reports that Liverpool have made a £110million bid for him.
Speaking after his team’s 2-2 draw with Espanyol in a friendly at St James’ Park last night, Howe said: “We've had discussions and it's clear at the moment that we can't involve him with the group. I don't know how long that will be for, but that's the latest."
"I'd want Alex to be playing today. I'd want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us.
"Let me make that absolutely clear. There's no part of me that doesn't want that outcome, but I don't see the current situation changing for Aston Villa."
In Isak’s absence William Osula played up front against Espanyol. Newcastle have been linked with moves for several forwards this summer, including Benjamin Sesko, who has joined Manchester United this morning, Hugo Ekitike, who has signed for Liverpool, and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
Newcastle's two senior signings this summer are winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, and Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on a season-long loan.