The Sweden international missed the Magpies preseason tour of Singapore and South Korea due to 'minor thigh injury' which later transpired to confirmation of him asking to be left out. Isak has told Eddie Howe and the Newcastle hierarchy that he wants to 'explore opportunities away from the club this summer'.

In an incredibly forthright message delivered from here in Seoul, the head coach told Mail Sport that the Swede must 'earn the right' to return to training in the coming days.

Alexander Isak is set for showdown talks Eddie Howe this week after returning to the Newcastle training ground. Isak was at the Newcastle training ground on Monday after returning from Spain, as he waits on a second bid for Liverpool after their £110million offer was rejected.