Newcastle have hinted that Alexander Isak will not feature in their Premier League opener against Aston Villa amid interest from Liverpool. Isak’s future is uncertain at the moment as he is at the centre of a transfer saga after Liverpool saw an £110million offer rejected by the Magpies earlier in the month.

Alexander Isak's transfer saga continues, with the striker set to miss Newcastle United's first Premier League game against Aston Villa, however, there is some optimism that a resolution may still be

Howe was asked if his squad should shut out thoughts on the £63m Sweden star and replied: "I think we do. He's not here with us, so we have to focus on who is here and get the best out of every single player in the squad that's fit and available, and that's always been the way."