Newcastle have told Alexander Isak he will not be allowed to leave this summer, despite his ongoing desire to join Liverpool.
The Sweden international has been at the centre of a long-running transfer saga after the Reds had a £110 million bid rejected earlier in the window.
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian owners have informed Isak that he is not for sale, no matter the offer.
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That stance has reportedly left the 25-year-old furious, with claims he will not feature for Eddie Howe’s side until he comes to terms with the decision.
Newcastle have told Alexander Isak he will not be allowed to leave this summer, despite his ongoing desire to join Liverpool
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The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), who own the Magpies, have maintained throughout the window that Isak would not be sold.
Liverpool were reportedly aware of Newcastle’s firm position when they lodged their offer.
Manager Eddie Howe has ordered Isak to train separately from the main squad while the situation remains unresolved.
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The striker had earlier been sent to train at former club Real Sociedad during Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia due to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
He has since returned to the club’s training base but has yet to rejoin full sessions.
Speaking on Friday, Howe confirmed that Isak will miss Newcastle’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa.
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Liverpool boss Arne Slot has made Alexander Isak his No 1 transfer target
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Howe said: “I’d want Alex to be playing today, I’d want him training tomorrow.
"We would love the player to be with us — let me make that absolutely clear. There’s no part of me that doesn’t want that outcome.
“But I don’t see that changing before Aston Villa, the current situation we’re in.
"We’ve had discussions and it’s clear at the moment we can’t have him involved with the group.
"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. There have been discussions since the tour. I don’t think disciplinary action has happened.
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has revealed that Alexander Isak is set to miss next Saturday's showdown with Aston Villa
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“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.
“He doesn’t have a fitness issue. I’m aware of a feeling within the squad that there’s something there not to the benefit of the group.”
Newcastle face Atletico Madrid in their final pre-season friendly at 4pm today. Their league match against Villa will take place on Saturday (12.30pm).