Enzo Maresca told Nicholas Jackson that he “can leave” after thinking he was on the radar at 24-year-old Newcastle United this summer.
Magpies were looking for strikers following Callum Wilson’s departure and Alexander Isak’s uncertain future, but they had to see many targets go elsewhere.
First choice Hugo Ekitike set off for Anfield, while Benjamin Sesco chose Manchester United.
It led Newcastle to see elsewhere as Chelsea’s Jackson is considered a competitor. The London Club signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro this summer, suggesting the 24-year-old forward is a surplus of requirements.
Head coach Enzo Maresca said the players could “leave” this summer, so it was placed in a clear focus ahead of Chelsea’s opening Premier League fixture.
“He trains with us, but he’s not involved,” Maresca said Sunday ahead of his home match with Crystal Palace.
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“You already know the situation. The transfer window is open. He can leave, and we will see.”
Magpies launched their Premier League campaign with a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa, despite the Birmingham side being a man for 25 minutes.
Manager Eddie Howe said about Onetaway striker Isaac that there is a need for a saga “solving.”
“We want a resolution,” Howe said. “When we say, I’m talking about myself and everyone is sure of the ownership, the players we have.
“Premier League seasons can be difficult enough. You don’t need any kind of distraction to shake up your thoughts and disproportionate what we’re doing.
“But I certainly don’t control it, and I think there’s really only one person who can control it.
“Nothing has changed. The doors are working and they’re really open. But he has to decide what he wants to do.
“I mean, that’s the fastest way. But of course, Alex is in control of what he’s doing. I’m not in control of him.”
However, Howe did not want to accuse Newcastle of his absence for not scoring against Villa.
“I don’t think that’s a story we want to go down, because it’s easy to say, but you have no way of knowing whether it’s true or not,” he said.
“Of course, you’re missing out on someone who scores the goals that Alex has, not just the goals, but the caliber of his players.
“So we’re not stupid enough to think about something different, but we have to look at and talk about the players here and what they gave today.
“It’s very easy for players to feel negativity and make excuses for being ready, but our performance didn’t show any signs of it.”
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