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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is maintaining his firm stance on Alexander Isak, with the striker set to miss this weekend’s Sela Cup fixtures against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid.

The 25-year-old has been excluded from training with the first team this week and was notably absent from the squad’s family barbecue event on Wednesday, as tensions continue to escalate over his future.

Howe made his position clear earlier this week, stating: “You have to earn the right to train with us.

We are Newcastle United.

The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad – you have to act in the right way”.

The Swedish striker has been training alone since returning to Newcastle after missing their pre-season Asian tour.

DaveOCKOP reported last week that Isak will submit a formal transfer request should the transfer not accelerate.

However, the key development that could unlock this transfer saga has emerged from Portugal.

Newcastle are now considering a move for Porto striker Samu Aghehowa as they scramble to find suitable replacements.

The Athletic reports that the Magpies view the 21-year-old, who scored 27 goals in 45 appearances last season including a double against Manchester United in the Europa League, as a realistic target despite his €100 million release clause.

This potential pursuit of Aghehowa becomes even more significant following Manchester United’s successful capture of Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenia international has chosen Old Trafford over Newcastle despite the Magpies offering more money, with United agreeing a £73.7 million deal with RB Leipzig.

Newcastle had identified Sesko as their primary target to replace Isak, but his preference for United has left Howe’s side with limited options.

The timing could hardly be more crucial for Liverpool?

With Newcastle now focusing on Aghehowa and other alternatives including Yoane Wissa and Nicolas Jackson, the domino effect that could free Isak appears to be gathering momentum.

Despite Newcastle’s failure to secure Sesko, there remains a very good chance Isak departs before the September 1st deadline.

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