Steve Bruce has suggested Yoshinori Muto could get another chance to impress in pre-season.
The Japanese international striker is thought to be unhappy at the lack of opportunities at Newcastle United this season.
After recovering from injury, Muto was hoping for a chance after lockdown.
The former Mainz forward netted in the 3-2 mid-season friendly win over Middlesbrough back in June.
But he has since been afforded just six minutes at the end of the 5-0 mauling at Manchester City.
Bruce was asked what his situation was after Muto was an unused substitute in the dire 0-0 draw at Brighton.
The striker was overlooked as Andy Carroll and Joelinton were thrown on to attempt to find a breakthrough.
Bruce said: “Look, I’ll sit down with Muto. He hasn’t had the best of times under me, gamewise.
“He’s a great pro, trains well, so I’ve got no problem with him.
“No issues, it’s just that we have forward players at the minute who are ahead of him.”
Muto has started just seven Premier League games since his £9.5million move from the Bundesliga.
He is also costing Newcastle around £50,000 per week.
