Alexander Isak set for crunch talks as wantaway striker returns to Newcastle training base after going 'AWOL' with £150m Liverpool transfer speculation still swirling

Isak was back at Newcastle on Monday after training privately at former club Real Sociedad’s facilities, citing a thigh injury to skip the pre-season tour to Asia. His absence came shortly after Liverpool showed interest in securing his services. The Reds have already had a major bid turned down by the Tyneside club. Isak's decision to miss the tour raised eyebrows internally, with Howe claiming that he learnt of the player's whereabouts via the media.

Sky Sportshave reported that Isak is now set to hold direct talks with Howe this week, as the striker is said to be clear that he wants to move to Arne Slot's side this summer. It is believed that the Magpies are already braced for the Swede's departure as they have set their sights on RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.

Newcastle remain firm in their £150 million ($199.5m) valuation of the striker, as they rejected Liverpool's £110 million ($146m) bid without any second thoughts. With the season fast approaching, clarity on Isak’s status is needed quickly. He is the only player back at Newcastle, with the rest of the squad given time off having just returned from Asia.

The Swedish striker is likely to invite a second bid from Liverpool over the course of the week, as the Reds are keen on completing the move before the Community Shield against Crystal Palace on Sunday. Newcastle could have to face off against Isak later this month when they take on the Reds on August 25.