Isak, meanwhile, has been preparing for the new season at Real Sociedad's training ground after skipping Newcastle 's pre-season tour of the Far East. It was initially communicated by the Magpies that he had been left out of the squad because of an injury.

Eddie Howe admits the Alexander Isak situation is ‘far from ideal’ but still hopes to see the unsettled star back in a Newcastle shirt after confirming the club rejected an offer from Liverpool. The 25-year-old Swede, one of the hottest properties in world football, has had his head turned by the Premier League champions’ interest this summer.