The future of Alexander Isak in Newcastle is in balance after the Swedish striker was reportedly told to distract from the rest of the team on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old was associated with a British transfer record to Liverpool after he did not include Newcastle preparations for the season.
Isak missed the journey from the Magpies to Singapore and Zuid -Korea, with reference to a small thigh injury and flew to Spain instead to train in the former Real Sociedad club.
Since then he has returned to Tyneside, but Sky Sports reported that Isak was instructed to train after the rest of the team left on Wednesday.
“You have to earn the right to train with us. We are Newcastle United,” said Howe reporters earlier in the preseason.
“We will ensure that every player deserves the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train normally with the group.”
Liverpool has rejected a bid of £ 110 million ($ 146 million) for Isak, according to reports, with Newcastle looking closer to £ 150 million.
Another important obstacle for each deal is the continuous struggles of Newcastle to complete a deal to replace Isak.
They are confronted with competition from Manchester United for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko after they have previously missed in the window Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Liam Delap.
Liverpool has already splashed this window on Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong for more than £ 250 million.
However, they also earned large funds from the sale of Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tyler Morton.
And Darwin Nunez is almost a relocation of £ 46 million to Saudi side Al Hilal that would free up more resources and space in the team for another attempt to sign Isak.
Since he came to Newcastle for £ 63 million in 2022, Isak scored 62 times in 109 performances, including the goal that the first domestic trophy of the club has secured for 70 years in the League Cup final against Liverpool in March.