Howe has now confirmed that he will not be linking up with the squad, as the Newcastle boss must now contend with the prospect of potentially losing his star player ahead of the new campaign.

Anthony Elanga, who scored at the Singapore National Stadium on his full debut, is Newcastle's only summer signing so far.

Anthony Elanga is the only new signing so far as Newcastle head into the remaining five weeks of the summer transfer window still looking to strengthen multiple positions.