The Athletic said on Tuesday that the striker, 25, was “adamant he will never play for Newcastle again”. BBC Sport cannot confirm this, but it is believed it is still the Swede’s “determined” aim to sign for the Premier League champions before the deadline runs out on 1 September.
The Magpies turned down an £110m offer from Liverpool for Isak on August 1, with the Reds then insisting that they would pull out of a deal. Liverpool have also increased efforts to sign Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi, 25.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe stated after a pre-season friendly loss to Atletico Madrid that “everything is in play” regarding Isak’s future, but insisted that it was “clear” that he “cannot involve” the striker in his plans at present.
As a result, Isak is set to be absent for Newcastle’s Premier League opener at Aston Villa on Saturday (12:30 pm BST). The former Dortmund striker missed Newcastle’s far-east pre-season tour with a “minor” thigh strain.
He then trained on his own at his former club Real Sociedad, before returning to the UK last week.
Isak, who netted 27 goals in 42 games across all competitions last term, has three years remaining on his contract in the north east.
Newcastle have come up short with several approaches for strikers this summer, with Liam Delap joining Chelsea, Benjamin Sesko going to Manchester United and Hugo Ekitike joining Liverpool.
Interest continues in Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, who departed the Bees’ pre-season tour in Portugal in July due to his desire to be at Newcastle.
The 28-year-old resumed first-team training last week after positive negotiations with head coach Keith Andrews. But the DR Congo star is still interested in a transfer to Newcastle if a fee can be brokered.
Howe’s team are also on the brink of signing AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw. The German centre-back will travel to Tyneside on Sunday evening to complete his £34.62m switch to St James’ Park.
