Joselu’s Newcastle United future appeared to be in further doubt as the club confirmed he has been replaced in the travelling party for the Asia Trophy by youngster Elias Sorensen.
The Spaniard was named in the initial squad to travel to China for the Premier League’s pre-season tournament but with Alaves set to firm up their interest in the striker, it has now been confirmed that he has been left at home with an exit looming.
The 29-year-old has been in talks with the La Liga side all summer and Newcastle have deemed him surplus to requirements. While the former Stoke striker was only a bit part player last season and the club need to upgrade, his possible departure would leave United with just Dwight Gayle and Yoshinori Muto as recognised strikers and just 25 days left of the transfer window to address that.
With no manager and no new arrivals, it is an alarming situation for the club – who touched down in China in the early hours.
United are still in negotiations with Sheffield Wednesday over the future of managerial target Steve Bruce and have concentrated all of their efforts on making the experienced boss the next man in the dug-out.
But it now looks unlikely that he will take part in any of their Asia Trophy games. United play their first pre-season game against Wolves before a second match on Saturday and visa paperwork can take a couple of days to process even after an agreement is reached with the Owls.
United are scheduled to carry out pre-tournament press duties in the next few days but it is unclear who, at this stage, will be speaking on Newcastle’s behalf. Ben Dawson was pictured prominently in United’s official gallery and is set to take caretaker control.
