Eddie Howe said that Alexander Isak will remain exiled from full team training indefinitely as the striker seems to be pushing for a move to Liverpool.
The Swede is caught up in an acrimonious transfer saga. He excused himself from Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia, citing a minor thigh injury, as he looked to ‘explore his options’ regarding a transfer.
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Newcastle are desperate to keep him in black-and-white stripes next season despite his evident desire to leave, with Liverpool thought to be readying an improved bid.
They are braced for him to force a move, though, as Standard Sport reported on Friday the club has reopened talks to sign Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as a potential replacement.
Isak has been training away from the rest of the first-team since they returned from tour, and was absent from the matchday squad as the Geordies drew 2-2 with Espanyol in a friendly on Friday night. He was also barred from attending the team’s family barbecue earlier this week.
Speaking at full time, Howe said it was ‘clear’ that Isak would continue to train alone.
“We’ve had discussions, and it’s clear at the moment we can’t have him involved with the group,” he said.
“I don’t know how long that will be for. It’s clear I can’t involve him with the team at the moment.
“He is training later than the rest of the squad.”
Howe continued, insisting that the player had a future with the club despite the high-profile saga: “He is here, so of course he has a future at Newcastle.
“From our perspective, we would love to have him back with the team, but the situation has to be right for that to happen."
Howe also confirmed the player had not been disciplined for his decision to skip pre-season: “There have been discussions since the tour. I don’t think disciplinary action has happened.”
Earlier this week, Howe said a player must ‘earn the right’ to train with Newcastle.
“The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad,” he declared.
“You have to act in the right way. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal."
