Alexander Isak latest: Wantaway Newcastle striker to return to the UK after Spain trip & will resume training as Liverpool vow not to give up despite £120m bid being rejected

The Athletic reported on Friday that Newcastle have rejected Liverpool's formal offer worth £120 million ($159m) for Alexander Isak, despite the striker's desire to exit St James' Park this summer. With the Magpies remaining firm on their stance of not being willing to let their star forward leave, manager Eddie Howe has provided an update on the Swedish striker, who is now returning to the UK having been training away from the club at his former side Real Sociedad.

Speaking to reporters in South Korea, the former Bournemouth boss said: "I was made aware of a bid yesterday and that bid was turned down, all before I’d even heard about it. People back in England are dealing with the situation. I don’t know what happens next. From our perspective, we still support Alex in every way and my wish is that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.

"In terms of trying to upset players and all that kind of stuff, from my perspective, we can only talk about our conduct. We try to do things in the right way. Signing players is always complex. We just try to do what we think is right. I can’t talk about other clubs, that’s not for me to say."

Howe added on the Isak transfer situation, with the Swede reportedly training alone in Spain having not joined the squad for their pre-season tour: "I know where he is, really, through the media. From that perspective, it’s difficult for me to go into any kind of detail. The situation is far from ideal and is quite complex."

The Athletic report that Isak is set to return to England and rejoin his Newcastle team-mates when they arrive back from their pre-season tour. While this may suggest the player will not go on strike to force through a move, he will still be looking for a quick resolution to his future. Following news of a Newcastle bid for Benjamin Sesko, Isak may well be allowed to depart once a replacement is secured.

BBC Sport later reported that Liverpool may now decide not to make a second bid for Isak after seeing their initial offer rebuffed. Newcastle reportedly want around £150 million ($198m) for their prized asset, prompting Reds chiefs to question if a deal for the Swede is achievable this summer. Despite this, Florian Plettenberg claims that he has "been clearly told: Liverpool will not give up on Alexander Isak."

This news follows the Magpies stepping up their attempts to land Sesko, who is a target for Newcastle and their Premier League rivals Manchester United. The opening Sesko bid may well further prompt Liverpool to keep testing Newcastle's resolve. On the pitch, Howe's side will be next seen in action on August 3 against Tottenham in Seoul, a game that will likely mark Son Heung-min's final appearance for Spurs.