Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has remained in England whilst his colleagues departed for the club's pre-season tour of Singapore.
The 25-year-old forward trained individually on Tuesday as he recovers from a minor thigh problem.
The club has indicated that undertaking a lengthy flight would potentially hinder his rehabilitation from the injury.
His absence comes as Liverpool continue to show interest in securing his services, though Newcastle have made it clear they have no intention of selling.
PA
|Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has remained in England whilst his colleagues departed for the club's pre-season tour of Singapore
The Magpies would reportedly demand a fee exceeding £125million to even consider parting with their striker, who joined from Real Sociedad in 2022 for £60m.
Liverpool completed the acquisition of striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79m on Wednesday, potentially affecting their pursuit of Isak.
The Swedish international's representatives have reportedly communicated their terms for a contract extension at St James' Park.
It's been claimed that Isak is seeking wages of £300,000 per week to extend his stay on Tyneside. Such a figure would represent more than double his current £120,000 weekly salary agreed when he arrived three years ago.
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|Alexander Isak scored 23 goals from 34 outings for Newcastle in the Premier League last season
This demand would significantly exceed Newcastle's existing wage structure, where Bruno Guimaraes currently tops the salary list at £160,000 per week. Saudi Arabian clubs have also expressed interest in the forward's services.
Isak's representative, Gonzalo Gaitan, has acknowledged ongoing discussions about the player's future in comments to Saudi Arabian publication Arriyadiyah.
"We are indeed studying and analysing all options, and we may be close to finalising the next step for the player," Gaitan stated.
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The agent declined to provide specific details about whether his client would remain at Newcastle or pursue a transfer elsewhere.
"Without revealing any details regarding whether Isak will transfer or stay with Newcastle," he added.
Manager Eddie Howe revealed he made the decision to send Isak home from Saturday's 4-0 pre-season defeat against Celtic, citing the ongoing transfer speculation surrounding the player.
"I chose to send him home," Howe explained following the friendly match.
The Newcastle boss indicated that whilst both Isak and Joelinton were fit, neither was ready to participate in the fixture.
"The last thing Alex wants if he is not playing is to be sat in the stand and under that scrutiny," Howe stated.
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Reuters | Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is determined to keep Alexander Isak at the club
Despite the uncertainty, however, Howe expressed confidence about Isak's commitment to Newcastle: "Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, the team."
Isak scored 23 goals from 34 Premier League outings for Newcastle last term as they finished fifth to secure their spot in next season's Champions League.
Whether he's still at the club by the time that European adventure starts, however, remains to be seen.