The latter was subjected to chants of "one greedy b-------" from the Newcastle fans during Saturday's goalless draw at Aston Villa.

While it's doubtful that Isak heard those chants given his absence on the day, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe once again faced a barrage of questions about his unsettled star striker before and after the match.

"Of course, I've said many times I want him to train and play," Howe said.

Alexander Isak to Liverpool transfer domino falls as 'new target' emerges	Alexander Isak domino effect could be started by striker Liverpool and Man Utd targeted	Liverpool transfer domino set to fall as Eddie Howe makes fresh Newcastle admission

"You want to see him with the squad, you want to see him happy and enjoying his football.

He is here, so for me, that is an unfortunate situation.

"Yes, I believe there is (a way back for Isak).

After making a £110 million ($148.9 million) bid for Isak earlier in the month, Liverpool is now biding its time, ready to re-engage if Newcastle shows any signs of wavering over its No

14, who netted 23 Premier League goals last season.

There's been a degree of sympathy for Howe as this saga has dominated headlines and shaped the narrative at pre and post-match press conferences throughout the summer.

It's an unwelcome distraction for the Magpies' manager as he prepares his squad for a new season that includes a return to the Champions League.

"We are still active in the window and we'd love to add one or two players, but it really is quality over quantity," was the latest update from Howe, whose words were published in The Chronicle on Monday

"We don't want to just add and I don't think we need to do too much more
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