Alexander Isak: How could the Newcastle striker’s future unfold following bid by Liverpool?

The noises from Newcastle themselves do not suggest Isak has no future at the club – should a move elsewhere fail to materialise.

The expectation is the 25-year-old will return to training with his team-mates from next week.

“He is still our player,” said manager Eddie Howe.

“He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him.

“I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.

“My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year.”

That’s the club’s stance – but the supporters may feel a little differently.

Isak has rightly been idolised for his goals, but his desire to leave is a frustration for some.

“We’ve just had an amazing season, in which we won our first trophy in 70 years, and he helped us win that,” said Lee Johnson from the Newcastle podcast True Faith.

“The hope was that this summer would have been a transformation for ourselves but it seems to be turning into a bit of a nightmare now.”

Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey added: “He’s at a club who absolutely adore him. He’ll be on unbelievable money, they’ve won something and they’re in the Champions League – it would have to be some club to want to leave for.

“He has been looked after very well by Newcastle, has three years left on his contract and we’re open to giving him a pay rise, but for him to have his head turned is just disappointing at this stage.

“You have to agree with the fans’ frustration because you have the nucleus of a very good team.”