Eddie Howe confirms Alexander Isak Newcastle United decision amid Liverpool transfer saga

Eddie Howe has confirmed Alexander Isak will miss the Aston Villa game

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has confirmed that Alexander Isak will miss their opening Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

The Reds remain in the market for further attacking reinforcements despite having already signed Hugo Ekitike earlier this summer.

Isak has been earmarked as their top target after his impressive goalscoring record for the Magpies.

An opening offer worth £110m was swiftly turned down by Newcastle, who are adamant that the striker would not be sold this summer.

After missing the club's pre-season tour of the Far East, Isak has been strongly linked with making a move to Anfield, with reports in the North East claiming that he could be allowed to leave if replacements are signed.

Yoane Wissa is currently on Newcastle's radar, but they have faced difficulty in getting a deal over the line.

With Isak's future uncertain and Callum Wilson leaving the club, Howe has no natural centre-forward to select for their trip to Villa Park.

On Friday, Howe was asked about Isak's circumstance in his pre-Villa press conference.

He said via The Chronicle: "No, there has been no change, all my focus has been on training and Villa and the transfer front.

"That is all-consuming, Alex's situation has been unchanged for a while, and that will continue to be the case.

"I said many times this summer, I want him to train, I want him to play. But I think those conversations need to remain private.

"I've had a great relationship with Alex. You need that with every player. I take my part in that relationship really seriously. I have to work really closely with the player to his benefit."

Howe also insisted that he was trying to sign a new striker whether Isak stays or not.

"We are looking to sign a striker and the best one we can," he said. "It’s a very small field, though. Irrespective of Isak’s situation, we need to sign a striker."