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Alexander Isak has been training alone at Real Sociedad with his future at Newcastle still up in the air.
Isak did not travel to Singapore with his Newcastle team-mates for their pre-season tour, with the club noting that he would be absent due to suffering with a 'minor thigh injury'.
Instead, the 25-year-old has been undergoing individual training at the Basque club where he made more than 100 appearances in all competitions between 2019 and 2022.
Mail Sport understands that Newcastle are yet to confirm whether they are aware of Isak returning to Sociedad to continue rehabilitation for his injury.
Isak remains a top target for Premier League champions Liverpool, with Arne Slot's side linked with a £150million move for the striker.
There had also been interest from the Saudi Pro League in signing Isak - who has netted 54 Premier League goals since joining the Magpies in 2022 - but he is understood to be intent on remaining in Europe.
Alexander Isak has been undergoing individual training at Real Sociedad as he continues to recover from injury
The 25-year-old has not joined his Newcastle team-mates for their pre-season tour amid speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool
Speaking on Isak's future this week Magpies boss Eddie Howe insisted that they are yet to receive a formal offer from any club for the Sweden international
'He is still our player.' Howe told Mail Sport.
'He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us.
'My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.’
He added: ‘We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year.’
Should Isak depart Tyneside this summer, the club have earmarked RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko as a potential replacement.
The 22-year-old had been linked with a move away from the Bundesliga last summer before agreeing to extend his contract for additional year until 2029.
However, it’s understood the German club have a gentlemen’s agreement with the 22-year-old to let him go for £60-70m plus add-ons to certain clubs.
At present it is not known if Newcastle had been made aware of Isak training at his former club
Should the Swede depart this summer Newcastle have earmarked RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko as a potential replacement
Should the Magpies pursue a move for Sesko they would face competition from Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim's side have already welcomed multiple new signings this summer as they look to revitalise an ailing forward line that saw them slump to their worst-ever Premier League finish last season.
The club's director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is said to be a strong advocate for signing Sesko having previously worked at Leipzig and the player’s former club Red Bull Salzburg.
But Newcastle will still hope they can persuade Sesko to move to St James' Park if Isak leaves for Liverpool after speaking to Leipzig and the player’s camp.
