Alexander Isak is pushing to leave Newcastle and join Liverpool before the summer transfer window closes on September 1.
Reports suggest the Sweden striker’s ambition is to move to the Premier League champions, despite Newcastle rejecting a £110m bid from Liverpool early in August.
The Reds later indicated they were prepared to walk away from the deal.
Following Newcastle’s pre-season defeat to Atletico Madrid, manager Eddie Howe admitted “everything is in play” regarding Isak’s future but said it was “clear” he “cannot involve” the striker in his current plans.
As a result, Isak is expected to miss Newcastle’s Premier League opener at Aston Villa on Saturday.
The former Real Sociedad forward missed Newcastle’s pre-season tour of the Far East with what was described as a “minor” thigh injury.
He then trained alone at former club Real Sociedad before returning to the UK last week. Isak, who netted 27 goals in 42 appearances last season, still has three years left on his contract.
Newcastle’s attempts to find a new striker have so far failed. Liam Delap joined Chelsea, Benjamin Sesko signed for Manchester United, and Hugo Ekitike moved to Liverpool.
Interest remains in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who left the Bees’ pre-season camp in Portugal in July because of his desire to join Newcastle.
The 28-year-old DR Congo forward returned to training last week after constructive talks with head coach Keith Andrews but is still keen on the move if a fee can be agreed.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are close to finalising the signing of AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw, who is due to travel to Tyneside on Sunday night to complete a £34.6m transfer.
