Newcastle United are pushing free agent Ryan Fraser for a decision on whether he is still keen to join the Magpies.
The 26-year-old left AFC Bournemouth as an out of contract player and has held talks with Newcastle, West Ham, Spurs and Everton.
But even if United do win the race to sign the Aberdeen-born player, he won't be match fit for the opening weekend of the season.
Fraser has been training alone and told Scotland boss Steve Clarke he was unavailable for Nations League games with Israel and the Czech Republic this month.
Fraser snubbed a short-term deal with the Cherries when they were in a relegation dogfight and has not played since March.
When speaking about Fraser's fitness, Scotland boss Steve Clarke, a former Toon coach, said: “I haven’t actually spoken to Ryan Fraser yet.
“I was waiting on him getting himself a club but he hasn’t managed that yet.
“He actually contacted one of the medical staff and said his fitness wouldn’t be acceptable for a match of this level.”
