Howe left Isak out of the defeat to Celtic because of speculation and Isak missed Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia with what the club described as a minor thigh injury, while he has been training with his former club Real Sociedad in a bid to return to fitness.

In a developing transfer saga, Newcastle United have rejected an official bid from Liverpool for Swedish striker Alexander Isak, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.Ornstein also reports that

Newcastle United have rejected an opening offer from Liverpool for striker Alexander Isak. The Magpies value the Sweden international at about £150m, with the Reds' offer falling below that figure. There has been no confirmation as to the level of Liverpool's bid.